&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
The Superfund Innovative
Technology Evaluation
Program
Technology Profiles
Tenth Edition
SUPERFUND INNOVATIVE
TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
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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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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
Page 14
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
below surface. Control of up to 48 pumps
requires only one Grundfos MP1 controller
interfaced with the GPIM.
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Gary Hopkins
Analytical and Remedial Technology, Inc.
473 Gemma Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035
Telephone No.: 408-263-8931
Fax:408-263-8931
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 15
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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.
11/8"
LINER SAMPLER
THREAD PROTECTOR
CAP
11/8" EXTENSION
LTNER
2' x 1 1/2"
4' x 1 1/2"
Dual-Tube Liner Soil Sampler
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: (702)798-2232
Fax No.: (702) 798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Brian Anderson
Art's Manufacturing and Supply
105 Harrison Street
American Falls, ID 83211
Telephone No.: (800) 635-7330
Fax No.: (208)226-7280
E-Mail Address: brian@bankipds.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 17
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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.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 BiMelyze® 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.
Page 18
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: (702) 798-2232
Fax No.: (702)798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Craig Schweitzer
BioNebraska, Inc.
3820N. W. 46th Street
Lincoln, NE 68524
Telephone No.: (800) 786-2580
Fax No. (402)470-2345
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 19
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 electronics
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 and
Bruker Mobile Environmental Laboratory
Page 20
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
remediation phases of cleanup at a hazardous
waste site.
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 Amer-
ican 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dr. Brian Abraham
Bruker Analytical Systems, Inc.
5303 Emerald Drive
Sykesville, MD21784
Telephone No.: 508-667-9580
Fax: 508-667-5993
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 21
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 TUBE
Clements' ESP
Page 22
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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-
98/091).
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
Telephone No.: (702)798-2232
Fax No.: (702) 798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jim Clements
Clements Associates Inc.
1992 Hunter Avenue
Newton, IA 50208
Telephone No.: (515) 792-8285
Fax No.: (515) 792-1361
E-Mail Address: jmcsoil@netins.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 23
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
(formerly EET, Inc. TECHXTRACT® Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The TECHXTRACT® process employs patented
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 asphalt (see figure
below). Each formulation consists of chemicals
from up to 14 separate chemical groups, and each
formulation can be specifically tailored to each
contaminated 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 and
vacuumed from the surface with a high-efficiency,
particulate air-filtered, barrel-vacuum. No major
capital equipment is required.
Contaminant levels can be reduced from 60 to 90
percent per cycle. One cycle can take up to 24
hours. The total number of cycles is determined
from initial contaminant concentrations and final
concentration target levels.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The TECHXTRACT® process is designed to treat
porous solid materials contaminated with PCBs;
toxic hydrocarbons such as pesticides; heavy
metals, including lead and arsenic; and
radionuclides. Because the contaminants are
extracted from the surface, the materials can be
1. EET's proprietary
TECH\TRACTT'
blends are applied
in sequence.
Concrete
Metal
Brick
Asphalt
2. Chemicals
penetrate
through pores
and capillaries.
5. Contaminants
entrained in spent
solution are
vacuumed and
drumed for disposal.
4. Contaminants
are released
from substrate
and drawn to
surface.
3. Electrochemical bonds holding
contaminants to substrate are
attacked and broken.
Process Flow Diagram of the TECHXTRACT® Process
Page 20
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
left in place, reused, or recycled. After treatment,
the contaminants are concentrated in a small
volume of liquid waste.
In commercial applications, the process has
reduced PCB concentrations from
1,000,000 micrograms per 100 square centimeters
(yUg/100 cm2) to concentrations less than 0.2
yitg/100 cm2. Core samples have shown removals
from up to 4 inches deep in concrete. The
TECHXTRACT® process has been used on concrete
floors, walls and ceilings, tools and machine parts,
internal piping, valves, and lead shielding. The
TECHXTRACT® process has removed lead, arsenic,
technetium, uranium, cesium, tritium, and
thorium.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in summer 1994. The
demonstration was successfully completed at the
Pearl Harbor Naval Complex in April 1997. A
video tape of that demonstration is available from
the Technology Developer.
The technology has been used in over
400 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.
Active Environmental, Inc. has developed
methods for removing or concentrating metals,
particularly radionuclides, 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Scott Fay
Active Environmental, Inc.
40 High Street, Suite 100
Mount Holly, NJ 08060
609-702-1500
Fax: 609-702-0265
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 27
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
AEA TECHNOLOGY ENVIRONMENT
(Incorporating UK National Environmental Technology Centre)
(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 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
High Pressure Water
Feed Soil
50mm Screening
— > 5Omm Debris
Contaminant
Concentrate
1 Alternative option Is to use spiral separator.
2 Alternative option is to use multi-gravity separator.
> 0.5mm
Contaminated
Product
Generalized Flowsheet for the Physical Treatment of Contaminated Soil
Page 16
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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
908-321-6683
Fax: 908-321-6640
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Steve Barber
Environmental Engineer
AEA Technology Environment
Culham, Abingdon
Oxfordshire OX14 3DB England
Telephone No.: 011 -44-123 5 -463 062
Fax:011-44-1235-463010
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 77
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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)
Gas, air, and oxygen
flow to the burners
T = Temperature
Ash Pit
PYRETRON® Thermal Destruction System
Page 22
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Gregory Gitman
American Combustion, Inc.
4476 Park Drive
Norcross, GA 30093
770-564-4180
Fax: 770-564-4192
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 23
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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.
VOC-LadenAir
VOC-Contaminated
Groundwater
Clean Air
Stripped
Water Out
Photocatalytic Oxidation with Air Stripping
Page 18
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
• 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.
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
concentrations 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Gregory Raupp
Department of Chemical, Biological,
and Materials Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85287-6006
602-965-2828
Fax: 602-965-0037
E-mail: Raupp@asu.edu
Elliot Berman
Zentox Corporation
2140 NE 3 6th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34470
352-867-7482Fax: 352-867-1320
E-mail:eberman@zentox.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 19
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ARS Technologies, Inc.
(formerly Accutech Remedial Systems, Inc.)
(Pneumatic Fracturing Extraction81*" 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 Extraction3" (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 catalytic oxidation unit can be
recycled to the formation, significantly raising
the vapor pressure of the
Page 24
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
contaminants. Thus, VOCs and SVOCs volatilize
faster, making cleanup 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 Environ-
mental 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 influence
nearly threefold. PFESM also increased the rate of
mass removal up to 25 times over the rates
measured using conventional extraction tech-
nology.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
John Liskowitz
ARS Technologies, Inc.
271 Cleveland Ave.
Highland Park, NJ 08904
732-296-6626 Ext. 13
Fax: 732-296-6625
e-mail: jjl@arstechnologies.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 25
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 remedi-
ation 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® Process Flow Diagram
Page 20
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
LEEP® effectively treats tar-contaminated solids
from manufactured gas plant sites, soils and
sediments contaminated with polychlorinated
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:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 46268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Werner Steiner
ART International, Inc.
100 Ford Road
Denville,NJ 07834
201-627-7601
Fax: 201-627-6524
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 27
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 polyelectrolytes 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 concentration.
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 (in the concentrate), while
allowing uncomplexed ions to pass through the
membrane with the filtered water. The filtered
water (the permeate) is continuously withdrawn,
while the concentrate stream containing most of
the contaminants is recycled 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.
Recirculation Loop
Feed
Holding
Tank
3 refiltration
pH Chemical
Addition
+ •
Pi
Adjus
H
ment
Polyelectrolyte
Addition
1
Metal
Complexation
Reaction
Tank
100to150L/min
Circulation
Pump
> 20 L/min
*nFeed
I—I 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
Page 22
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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. The process
also 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- 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 at 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/5 40/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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Leo Buckley or Les Moschuk
Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited
Waste Processing Technology
Chalk River Laboratories
Chalk River, Ontario, Canada KOJ 1JO
613-584-3311
Fax: 613-584-8107
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 23
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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.
Chemical Reagents Addition
pH Chemical
Oxidant
Precipitant
Concentrate
(1 To 2% 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
To Disposal
Single-Stage Chemical Treatment and Ultrafiltration Process
Page 24
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 contaminated with
heavy metals and 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:513-569-7676
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 25
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 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.
Catholyte
Treatment
Water
and
Contaminants
Ground
Surface
Optional
Anolyte Treatment
—©
Cathode
Acoustic
Waves
Acoustic
Source
Anode
In Situ Electroacoustic Soil Decontamination
Page 26
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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; however, it is only
marginally effective for hydrocarbon removal. A
modified ESD process for more effective hydro-
carbon removal has been developed but has not
been 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
U. S. 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Satya Chauhan
Battelle Memorial Institute
505 King Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201
614-424-4812
Fax: 614-424-3321
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 27
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 [um]) 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 fjm (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 ,um
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
Bergmann Soil and Sediment Washing
Page 26
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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 compoundsmetor
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:
Approximately 71 percent of the
particles smaller than 45-um in the
input sediment was apportioned to the
enriched fine stream.
• Less than 20 percent of the particles
smaller than 45-,um 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:
Jack Hubbard, U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507 Fax: 513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
George Jones
Bergmann, A Division of Linatex, Inc.
1550 Airport Road
Gallatin, TN 37066-3739
615-230-2217 Fax: 615-452-5525
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 27
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
BERKELEY ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION CENTER
(In Situ Steam Enhanced Extraction Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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 injection
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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 concentrations dropped by a factor of
10.
The ISEE process extracts VOCs and SVOCs from
contaminated soils and groundwater. The primary
compounds suitable for treatment include
In December 1993, a full-scale demonstration was
completed at a gasoline spill site at Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory(LLNL)in
Water •
r-o—*
Feed
Pump
„ Vapors from
FlueGas Recovery WeliT
Fuel-
Steam
Generator
Liquid/
Vapor
Separati
Steam to I
Injection Wells —»|
Pump
SUBSURFACE
Water-
Air
»> Liquid
Contaminant
»• Water
Liquids from
ry Wells
LEGEND
Liquid Flow
^-^ Vapor Flow
-Steam Flow
In Situ Steam Enhanced Extraction Process
Page 28
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 is scheduled to use the
ISEE process to remediate a groundwater
contaminant plume at Alameda Naval Air Station
in California. The contaminant plume contains
halogenated organic compounds, including
trichlolorethene, 1,1,1-trichlorethane, and
perchloroethylene.
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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Kent Udell
Berkeley Environmental Restoration Center
6147EtcheverryHall
Berkeley, CA 94720-1740
513-642-6163
Fax:510-642-6163
Steve Collins
Berkeley Environmental Restoration Center
461 Evans Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720-1706
510-643-1900
Fax:510-643-2076
Bologies.
Page 29
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 net-
work 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 nega-
tive 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 groundwater depths and
fluctuations, horizontal vacuum screens, "stubbed"
screens, or multiple-depth completions can be
applied. Positive and negative air flow can be
shifted to different locations at the site to
Subsurface Volatilization and Ventilation System (SWS®)
Page 30
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 situ bioremediation 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 SWS® 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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Gale Billings or Rick Billings
Billings and Associates, Inc.
6808 Academy Parkway E. N.E.
Suite A-4
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-345-1116
Fax: 505-345-1756
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 31
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 particlesoil
washer. Material 1 mm and smaller continues to
the sediment washer's feed hopper.
Effluent from
Wash Unit , To Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Makeup
Water
10 mesh particles ,
/Clean Solids/
to Storage /
Soil Washing Process
Sediment Washing Process
Page 32
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 BioGenesis™ 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, polychlorinated
biphenyls (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 Inno-
vative 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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 33
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 contaminated
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
Page 34
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
David Mann
Bio-Rem, Inc.
P.O. Box 116
Butler, IN 46721
219-868-5823
800-428-4626
Fax:219-868-5851
Bologies.
Page 35
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
BIOTHERM, LCC
(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 hazardous
hydrocarbon-soluble feed components.
VENT
SOLVENT/WATER
DECANTING
EVAPORATION AND
1ST SOLVENT
EXTRACTION
SOLVENT +
EXTRACTED OIL
SOLIDS
SOLVENT +
EXTRACTED OIL
2ND SOLVENT
EXTRACTION
SOLVENT +
EXTRACTED OIL
SOLIDS
VENTED GAS
SOLVENT
SOLVENT
SOLVENT
EVAPORATED
WATER
SOLVENT/OIL
DISTILLATION
RECOVERED
OIL
3RD SOLVENT
EXTRACTION
SOLIDS
DESOLVENTIZPNG
Biotherm Process Schematic Diagram
Page 36
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February 1999
Completed Project
The Biotherm Process™ combination of
dehydration and solvent extraction has the
following advantages: (l)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.
• The final solid product was a dry powder
similar to bentonite. A food-grade solvent
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Theodore Trowbridge
Biotherm, LCC
401 Towne Center Drive
Hillsborough Township
Somerville, NJ 08876
908-904-1606
Fax: 908-904-1561
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 37
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 particulate (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 with
Methylosinus 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, chloroform,
dichloromethane (methylene chloride), and
others. In the case of groundwater treatment,
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon Dioxide, Chloride
Methane
Trichloroethene
Cometabolism of TCE
Page 28
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
bioreactor effluent can either be reinjected or
discharged to a sanitary sewer under a National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1990.
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 U.S. EPA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
David Smith
U.S. EPA
Region 8
999 18th Street
Denver, CO 80202
303-293-1475
Fax:303-294-1198
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Durell Dobbins
BioTrol®
10300 Valley View Road, Suite 107
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3546
612-942-8032
Fax: 612-942-8526
2,000
1,500 —
1,000 —
o
O
w
o
500 —
HRT (min)
Results for Pilot-Scale, Continuous-Flow Reactor
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 29
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 microbe s adhere. For aerobic condi-
tions, air is supplied by fine bubble membrane
diffusers mounted at the bottom of each cell.
The system may also run under anaerobic condi-
tions.
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 a National
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
MIX
TANK
BLOWERS
CONTROLS
DISCHARGE
RECIRCULATION
LINE
BioTrol Biological Aqueous Treatment System (BATS)
Page 38
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
process water. Contaminants amenable to
treatment include pentachlorophenol (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 com-
pounds 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 at the MacGillis 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:
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Durell Dobbins
BioTrol
10300 Valley View Road, Suite 107
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3456
612-942-8032
Fax: 612-942-8526
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 39
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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, counter-
current, 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 (PAH) and
pentachlorophenol (PCP). The system may also
apply to soils contaminated with petroleum
hydrocarbons, pesticides, polychlorinated
biphenyls, various industrial chemicals, and metals.
Recycle
BioTrol Soil Washing System Process Diagram
Page 40
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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/540/5-9 l/003a) and Volume II
(EPA/540/5-91/003b and EPA/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
estimated to be $168 per ton. Incineration
of woody material accounts for 76 percent
of the cost.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dennis Chilcote
BioTrol
10300 Valley View Road, Suite 107
Eden Prairie, MN 55344-3456
612-942-8032
Fax: 612-942-8526
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 47
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 con-
taminated with heavy metals. Typical materials
suited for treatment with the technology include
soils at small arm ranges, ammunition
Brice soil Washing Plant
Page 42
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 1992 on lead-
contaminated soil at the Alaskan Battery
Enterprises (ABE) Superfund site in Fairbanks,
Alaska. The Demonstration Bulletin
(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 Cebter in Twentynin Plams, 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/5 40/5-
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 is expecting 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:
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 43
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
BWX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(an affiliate of BABCOCK & wlLCOX 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 tempera-
tures 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).
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 re-
tained 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.
Natural gas and preheated combustion air are
heated to 820 °F and enter tangentially into the
The energy requirements for vitrification are
15,000 Btu per pound of soil treated. The cyclone
COMBUSTION
AIR
INSIDE FURI
NATURAL GAS
INJECTORS
NATURAL GAS
SOIL INJECTOR
V
CYCLONE
BARREL
SLAG
QUENCHING
TANK
Cyclone Furnace
Page 44
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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/5 04/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 leachabilities 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 hydro-
carbons 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-hourunit 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Evans Reynolds
BWX Technologies, Inc., an affiliate of
Babcock & Wilcox Co.
Mt. Athos Rd., Route 726
Lynchburg, VA 24506-0598
804-522-6723 Fax: 804-522-6650
Bologies.
Page 45
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
ground-water 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:
H2O2 + UV -> 2(-OH)
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 -OH 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
contminants (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
perox-pure™ Model SSB-30
Page 46
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
thousand parts per million (ppm). In 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 (EPA/540/SR-93/501),
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 47
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 (PAFf), polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB), 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
Page 48
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
V.M. Poxleitner
Morrison Knudsen Corporation
P.O. Box 73
Boise, ID 83729
208-386-5361
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 49
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 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,
REAGENT TRUCK.
UNLOADING }
REAGENT TRUCK
UNLOADING
WASTE INPUT
WATER SUPPLY)
REAGENT TRUCKS
UNLOADING /
TO CONTAINMENT AREA
TRANSFER PUMP
Process Flow Diagram
Page 50
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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/5 40/5-8 9/011 a) 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 welting and drying or
freezing and thawing.
• The unconfmed 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 Barth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7669
Fax:513-569-7585
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
David Donaldson
Chemfix Technologies, Inc.
3500 North Causeway Boulevard
Suite 720
Metairie, LA 70002
504-831-3600
Fax: 504-833-4615
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 51
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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.
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
CO NT AM I MAT ED
SON-
SCREENING
MAKE-UP
ACID
RINSE
WATER
EXTRACTION
COARSE SOU-
PARTICLES
REGENERATED ACID
1
—| RINSE
1
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Stephen Paff
Center for Hazardous Materials Research
3 20 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-826-5321, ext. 233
Fax: 412-826-5552
Metal
As
Cd
Cr
Cu
Nl
Pb
Zn
Soil
SSM
*,T,L
* -j-
*,T,L
* T T
,l,lj
*,T,L
*
*.T.L
Butte
*,T,L
*,T,L
*,T,L
*,T,L
King of Prussia
*,T,L
*,T,L
*,T,L
Pedricktown
*,T,L
*,T,L
*,T,L
Palmerton
*,T,L
*,T,L
*,T,L
*,T,L
Key: * —Metal is present in that soil
T — Successful treatment for total metals
L — Reduction in leachability to below standards
Boldface and larger font indicates high initial metals
concentration (at least double the regulatory standards)
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 31
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 sulfides,
which are rendered less leachable. If required,
the sulfides can be further stabilized before
Treated
Gas
Makeup
Sulfur
LO-CAT-n
Recovered Sulfur
Sulfur
Feed
Soil -
Vapor
Section
Reactor
Preheater
Section
Salts Water
Treated
Soil
Organics Destruction and Metals Stabilization
Page 32
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
polychlorinated 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 will be 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Stephen Paff
Center for Hazardous Materials Research
320 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-826-5321, ext. 233
Fax: 412-826-5552
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 33
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
Contaminated
Soil 1
Leachant Recycle
Clay/Humus
Leachant Slurry
<
Le
r
jch
Leachate k
1
Metal
Recovery
> Metal
Bioremediation
Water Cycle
Carbon Dioxide
Metal Leaching and Bioremediation Process
Page 34
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
depends on the metals present and their
concentrations.
After metals extraction is complete, the "mud"
slurry settles and is neutralized. Liquids are
returned to the classifier, and the partially 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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 35
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 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
Physical Separation Stage
Feeder h
Dewatered
+1/41
Oversize
TERRAMET® Chemical Leaching Stage
Soil Fines From
Separation Stage
Sand From
Separation Stage
Make-up
Chemicals
-200
mi
Soil Fines to
Leaching Circuit
Organic Material
- Sand to
Leaching Circuit
^. Lead Concentrate
to Recycler
I Blender
. Clean, Dewatereo
Neutralized Soil
Lime
Lead Concentrate
to Recycler
TERRAMET® Soil Remediation System
Page 52
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
908-321-6633
Fax: 908-321-6640
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 53
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 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.
SUBSTRATE ^
7 oz. GEOFABRIC v
GEOGRID O*
7 oz. GEOFABRIG ^
PERF. EFFLUENT
PIPING TIE TO /
GEOGRID
PERF. INFLUENT
PIPING -\ >
7 oz. GEOFABRIC V\
oLUINL 1 -—-___^^
/*
HLJrb LINhrl
GEOSYNTHETIC /
X
^v^
i , i
^ ^
SUBSTRATE
'• s*^^
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4 \
/ / SAND
/ SUBGRADE-^
i
7
:
i *
9
V
: ft.
16 oz. GEOFABRIC
Schematic Cross Section of Pilot-Scale Upflow Cell
Page 54
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
Studies under the Demonstration Program evaluat-
ed 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
James Lewis
Colorado Department of Public Health
Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
HMWMD-RP-B2
Denver, CO 80220-1530
303-692-3390 Fax: 303-759-5355
and
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 55
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
COMMODORE APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES, 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.
Dirty Soil
Metal
Reactor
Ammonia
Ammonia/Soil
Separator
Compressor
Clean Soil
Ammonia/Water
Separator
Water
Schematic Diagram of the Solvated Electron Remediation System
Page 56
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Peter E. Harrod
President
Commodore Solution Technologies, Inc.
2340 Menaul Boulevard, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
505-872-3508
Fax: 505-872-6827
E-Mail: pharrod@adv-sci.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 57
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
aretapped continuously for lead and tapped
intermittently to remove slag, which is transported
offsite 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.
EXCAVATION OR
COLLECTION
PREPROCESSING
TRANSPORT OF MATERIAL
ROCKS, SOILS, DEBRIS
LEAD TO
BATTERY •»
PLANT
SLAG TO DISPOSAL
•«
SMELTER
V s
REVERB
FURNACE
^
LAGj OR
BLAST
FURNACE
*^
Smelting Lead-Containing Waste Process
Page 36
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 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:
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Brian Bosilovich
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
320 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-826-5321, 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.
PennDOT/
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 37
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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
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
floatation. 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 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. Follow-up sampling was completed
in 1998. The Innovative Technology
Evaluation Report is available from EPA.
Sponsors for this program, in addition to
EPA and PP&L, are the Gas Research
Institute, the Electric Power Research
Institute, and the U.S. Department of
Energy. Remediation Technologies, Inc.,
assisted Western Research Institute with the
demonstration.
Also, a pilot-scale demonstration was
completed at a 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 by 500 percent.
The full-scale remediation for this site is
underway. Early results show an organic
removal rate an order-of-magnitude greater
than conventional pump-and-treat processes.
Several other sites are being evaluated.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Eilers
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7809
Fax: 513-569-7620
E-Mail: Eilers.Richard@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Lyle Johnson
Western Research Institute
365 North 9th
Laramie,WY 82070-3380
307-721-2281
Fax: 307-721-2233
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 system. 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®
INFLUENT
EFFLUENT
CURE®-Electrocoagulation System
Page 58
Bologies
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February 1999
Completed Project
system pass the toxicity characteristic leaching
procedure (TCLP) and are often disposed of as
nonhazardous waste.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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 refrnishing, 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.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
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 leachable by TCLP and no metals
were leachable 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
David Stanton, President
CURE International, Inc.
1001 U.S. Highway One, Suite 409
Jupiter, FL 33477
561-575-3500
Fax:561-575-9510
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 59
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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:
>Cu++>Hg ++>Pb
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:
CrO42, AsO4 3, Au(CN)2; SeO4 'HgCl 3,
Ag(S203)3, Si03 2, U04 2
Fishnet Bags Placed Vertically in a Well
The absorption of certain anion species can be
enhanced by preabsorption of a cation that
ordinarily reacts with a sought anion to produce a
highly insoluble compound. For example, a
Sponge presaturated with Fe+3 strongly absorbs
arsenate anion because ferric arsenate is highly
insoluble.
The removal efficiency for transition-group heavy
metals is about 90 percent at a flow rate of 0.1 bed
volume per minute. The Sponge's highly porous
nature speeds diffusional effects, promoting high
rates of ion absorption. The Sponge can be used
in columns, fishnet-type enclosures, or rotating
drums. When used in a column, flow rates of
three bed volumes per minute can be obtained at
hydrostatic pressures only 2 feet above the bed
and without additional pressurization. Therefore,
Sponge-packed columns are suitable for
unattended field use.
Absorbed ions can be eluted from the Sponge
using techniques typically employed to regenerate
ion-exchange resins and activated carbon.
Following elution, the Sponge can be used in the
next absorption cycle. The number of useful
cycles depends on the nature of the absorbed ions
and the elution technique used. Alternatively, the
metal-saturated Sponge can be incinerated. In
some instances, the Sponge may be dried and
reduced in volume to facilitate disposal.
A trailer-mounted pump-and-treat apparatus can
handle up to 10 gallons per minute with low
pumping pressures of 4 to 10 pounds per square
inch. The apparatus employs four or six Plexiglas
columns, connected in series, with valving to
expedite regeneration and staging. Each column
accommodates a fishnet container of Sponge in
the form of half-inch cubes. Groundwater can be
remediated in situ using elongated fishnet bags
that confine the Sponge. The bags are placed
vertically in wells, as shown in the figure to the
left, or placed horizontally in trenches, as shown
in the figure on the next page. Alternatively, the
groundwater can be treated aboveground in a
packed column configuration.
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The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 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
demonstration was as follows:
Average Influence
Concentration (us,
537
917
578
426
the SITE
Analvte
Cadmium
Copper
Lead
Chromium111
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 tert-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
732-321-6630, Fax: 732-321-6630
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Norman Rainer, Dynaphore, Inc.
2709 Willard Road
Richmond, VA 23294
804-288-7109, Fax: 804-282-1325
Fishnet Bags Placed Horizontally in a Trench
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 63
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 conducted a
Bioslurry Reactor
Page 64
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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:
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 65
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
E.I. DUPONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY, and
OBERLIN FILTER COMPANY
(Membrane Microfiltration)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This membrane microfiltration system is designed 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 olefin (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.
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.
Air Cylinder
Filter Cake
Used Tyvek®
Air Bags
Waste Feed Chamber
Clean Tyvek®
Filter Belt
Filtrate Chamber
Filtrate
Discharge
Membrane Microfiltration System
Page 60
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 handling 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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 61
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ELECTROKINETICS, INC.
(Electrokinetic Soil Processing)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Electrokinetic, 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 extract-
ed 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
Extraction/
Exchange
Processing
Processing
- Cathode
BASE FRONT
and/or CATHODIC
PROCESS FLUID
ACID FRONT
and/or ANODIC
PROCESS FLUID
Processed
Media
Electrokinetic Remediation Process
Page 66
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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, chromium,
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Elif Acar
Electrokinetics, Inc.
11552 Cedar Park Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
504-753-8004
Fax: 504-753-0028
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 67
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ELI ECO LOGIC INC.
(Gas-Phase Chemical Reduction Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The patented ELI Eco Logic Inc. (ECO LOGIC),
Gas-Phase Chemical Reduction (GPCR) Process
(see photograph below) uses a gas-phase reduction
reaction of hydrogen with organic and chlorinated
organic compounds at elevated temperatures to
produce a hydrocarbon-rich gas product.
The GPCR is a non-incineration technology
based upon the ability of hydrogen, at elevated
temperatures, to chemically reduce organic and
chlorinated organic molecules to primarily
methane and hydrochloric acid. The destruction
process takes place within a closed-loop system at
normal atmospheric pressures with no
uncontrolled emissions. As a result, the process
involves no free oxygen and therefore eliminates
the potential for formation of chlorinated dioxins
and furans, which are more toxic than most
materials being treated. Any dioxins and furans in
the waste are also destroyed in the process.
Waste pretreatment technologies are incorporated
into the process to vaporize the organic
contaminants that are then carried in the vapor
phase to the GPCR reactor for complete reduction.
A Thermal Reduction Batch Processor (TRBP) is
used to treat bulk solid materials such as drums
and electrical equipment.
Watery wastes are preheated with boiler steam in
a preheater vessel before injection into the reactor.
Hot contaminated material exits the bottom of the
vaporizer at a controlled flow rate and enters the
reactor through atomizing nozzles. A liquid waste
pumping system is used to inject high-strength
oily waste directly into the reactor through the
atomizing nozzles.
In the reactor, the vaporized organic compounds
from the injection of liquid wastes or from the
TRBP are chemically reduced in a hydrogen-rich
environment to primarily methane and acidic
gases. The gas leaving the GPCR reactor is
scrubbed in caustic scrubber towers to remove acid
gases, water, heat, and fine particulates. The
scrubbed product gas is compressed and routed to
the product gas storage tank and recycled as fuel to
heat various system components.
ECO LOGIC'S computerized process control
system ensures protection of the workers and the
public with its state-of-the-art instrumentation.
This instrumentation continuously monitors
critical system operating parameters and provides
a continuous indication of destruction efficiency.
A chemical ionization mass spectrometer and a
micro gas chromatograph are used on-line as
diagnostic tools for trace monitoring of organic
compounds in the product gas stream.
Gas-Phase Chemical Remediation Process
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Process outputs are analytically tested onsite to
ensure compliance with regulatory criteria prior to
reuse in the system or off-site disposal. Treated
solids are separated into metals and nonmetals,
which are then recycled or sent to a landfill.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The GPCR process converts organic hazardous
waste into clean, reusable or safely disposable
products. The process can eliminate most types of
organic contaminant in liquids or bulk solid
materials in an environmentally acceptable
manner. ECO LOGIC has successfully performed
numerous laboratory- and pilot-scale
demonstrations on liquids, solids, and soils
containing polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides,
chemical warfare agents or other complex
hazardous organic contaminants.
STATUS:
In October and November 1992, the ECO LOGIC
process 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-93/522) and the Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/540/AR-93/522) are
available from EPA.
In 1995, the Western Australian government
approved the setup of the first commercial-scale
ECO LOGIC waste processing system in
Kwinana, Western Australia. This unit treats
DDT- and PCB-contaminated wastes.
In 1997, ECO LOGIC completed the treatment of
over 1,000 tons of PCB-contaminated material at
the General Motors of Canada Ltd facility in St.
Catharines, Ontario. The materials treated
included soil, sediment, and other granular solid
material. As part of this project, the Province of
Ontario's Ministry of Environment and Energy
(MOEE) conducted regulatory testing to evaluate
system performance during the treatment of high-
strength PCB oil. The ECO LOGIC Process was
capable of achieving a DRE of at least seven
nines (99.99999 percent) for PCBs and at least six
nines for chlorobenzenes in all tests. The MOEE
also conducted an air monitoring survey in St.
Catharines to determine PCB levels downwind of
the treatment system. The MOEE survey
concluded that PCBs were not impacting ambient
air in the vicinity of the treatment site during
treatment of high-strength PCB oil.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the Bay City demonstration, two separate
waste feed conditions were used: (1) wastewater
containing an average PCB concentration of 4,600
parts per million, and (2) waste oil containing an
average PCB concentration of 24.5 percent. Both
feeds were tested in triplicate. The demonstration
of the ECO LOGIC process yielded the following
results:
At least 99.99 percent destruction and
removal efficiency for PCBs during all
runs
• A 99.99 percent destruction efficiency for
perchloroethene, a tracer compound,
during all runs
• Net destruction of trace feedstock dioxin
and furan compounds during all runs
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jim Nash- Vice President, Business Development
ELI Eco Logic Inc.
143 Dennis Street
Rockwood, Ontario, Canada NOB 2KO
519-856-9591 ext. 208 Fax: 519-856-9235
E-Mail: nashj@eco-logic-intl.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 69
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ELI ECO LOGIC INTERNATIONAL INC.
(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 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 contaminants 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).
H2
SITE SOILS
Jl
DESORBED GAS
MOLTEN BATH
TREATED SOILS
THERMAL DESORPTION
UNIT
RECIRCULATED GAS
850-C
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3TOR
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HYDF
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SLUDGE AND DECANT
WATER SLOWDOWN
CLEAN STEAM
REACTOR SYSTEM
Thermal Desorption Unit
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
polychlorinated biphenyls (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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jim Nash
ELI Eco Logic International Inc.
143 Dennis Street
Rockwood, Ontario, Canada NOB 2KO
519-856-9591
Fax:519-856-9235
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
ENERGIA, INC.
(Reductive Photo-Dechlorination Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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 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.
Reducing G
Exhaust
Exhaust
Reducing Gas
Make-up
Reductive Photo-Dechlorination (RPD) Treatment
Page 38
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 oxidation
systems by reducing chlorine content and
protecting the catalyst against poisoning.
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 successful
demonstration, the RPD process will be ready for
full-scale commercialization.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Moshe Lavid
ENERGIA, Inc.
P.O. Box 470
Princeton, NJ 08542-470
609-799-7970
Fax:609-799-0312
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 39
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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. In addition, 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; the filter controls toxic metals,
particulates, and unburned organic species. The
RFS involves the following three steps:
First, solids are treated with a primary
thermal process, such as a rotary kiln,
fluidized bed, or other system designed
for thermal treatment.
Next, a low-cost, alumino silicate
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;
the metals chemically adsorb onto the
surfaces of the sorbent particles. This
adsorbtion forms insoluble,
nonleachable alumino-silicate complexes
similar to cementitious species.
Finally, fabric filtration, operating at
temperatures up to 1,000 °C (1,830 °F)
provides additional residence time for
the sorbent/metalreaction, producing
nonleachable by-products. This step
also provides additional time for the
destruction of organic compounds
associated with particulate matter,
reducing ash toxicity.
I Sorbent
I j—Injection
I ' (1300°C)
Reactor Filter System
Exhaust
ID Fans
Example Application of RFS Equipment
Page 42
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February 1999
Completed Project
Because of the 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 in 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 was available for comparison with RFS
performance during the demonstration. However,
the baghouse is not needed in typical RFS
applications because 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. The screening studies guided
the sorbent selection and operating conditions for
the pilot-scale demonstration. The tests were
completed in 1996; the final report will be
available from the National Technical Information
Service.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Neil Widmer
Energy and Environmental
Research Corporation
18 Mason Street
Irvine, CA 92718
714-859-8851
Fax: 714-859-3194
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 43
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 pass through quickly.
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.
The afterburner also 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. 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 often
they 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
Page 40
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
arrangement locates the tip of the auger screw
several inches from the internal surface of the
spouted bed, preventing the formation of soil
plugs.
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.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Richard Koppang
Energy and Environmental Research
Corporation
18 Mason Street
Irvine, CA 92718
714-859-8851
Fax:714-859-3194
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 47
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The process was developed to treat dissolved
halogenated organic compounds in groundwater.
'«,!
Figure 37
Installation of Pilot-Scale In Situ Treatment System
at an Industrial Facility in Northeast United States
Page 72
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February 1999
Completed Project
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-l,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:
Vince Gallardo
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7176
Fax: 513-569-7571
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 73
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Fungal Degradation Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are
typical pollutants at creosote wood treatment sites
and at manufacturing gas plants (MGP). Media
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 U. S. 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 natural biological metabolic processes.
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 cost-effectively
remediate. 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.
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
Naphthalene
Chrysene
Fluorene Fluoranthene Pyrene
Time (Days)
Fungal Degradation of Five PAHs in Soil Over A 59-Day Period
Page 44
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
wastes, and (2) develop and demonstrate a pilot-
scale process that can be commercialized for
utility industry applications.
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 capable of degrading 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 PAH degradation.
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 was published by U. S. EPA in
1997. Based on its performance during the
Emerging Technology Program evaluation, the
microbial composting process has been invited to
participate in the SITE Demonstration Program.
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 is also currently conducting a 10-ton soil
PAH field project to demonstrate that the fungal
degradation process can be scaled up and used in
commercial applications.
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 Munnecke
Environmental BioTechnologies, Inc.
969C Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
415-596-1020
Fax: 415-596-1016
E-mail: ebt(S>ix.netcom.com
600 -.
Contrd hn
20
40
Time (days)
Degradation of Total PAHs In Soil
50
60
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 45
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
EPOC WATER, INC.
(Precipitation, Microfiltration, and Sludge Dewatering)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The precipitation, microfiltration, and sludge
dewatering treatment uses a combination of pro-
cesses 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
EXXFLOW Demonstration Unit
Page 74
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 demon-
stration 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:
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 leachable levels of TCLP metals
were below regulatory limits for each treatment
chemical tested.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Rodney Squires
EPOC Water, Inc.
3065 North Sunnyside
Fresno, CA 93727
209-291-8144
Fax: 209-291-4926
During the SITE demonstration, developer claims
for metal removal efficiencies on acid mine
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 75
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 conductor
of relatively high electrical resistivity — stays
molten with 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).
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 organic compounds in the
waste such as anthracene, bis(2-ethylhexyl
phthalate), and pentachlorophenol. The
decomposition products can easily be removed
from the low volume of melter off-gas.
GLASS-MAKING
MATERIALS
<150°C
some dust
-j-^&volatiles
r
Electrode
-Steel
FRIT, MARBLES, etc.
STABLE
GLASS
DISPOSAL
Electric Furnace Vitrification
Page 46
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS:
Under the Emerging Technology Program,
synthetic soil matrix IV (SSM-IV) has been
developed and subjected to toxicity characteristic
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
SSM-IV and additives (including sand, soda ash,
and other minerals) required to convert SSM-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 ex-
perience 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.
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:
S.K. Muralidhar
Ferro Corporation
Corporate Research
7500 East Pleasant Valley Road
Independence, OH 44131
216-641-8580
Fax:216-524-0518
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 4-7
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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).
Mobile CPFM® Unit, Including Mixing Tanks, Pumps, Filter Apparatus, and Other Equipment
Page 76
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
The CPFM®'s major advantages are its high
performance; alpha and beta emitter 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 100N 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Tod Johnson
Filter Flow Technology, Inc.
122 Texas Avenue
League City, TX 77573
281-332-3438
Fax:281-332-3644
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 77
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
FUNDERBURK & ASSOCIATES
(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
I
CEMENT OR
FLYASH
I
FIELD BLENDING UNIT
Dechlorination and Immobilization Treatment Process
Page 78
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCB) (75 ppm). The
Applications Analysis Report
(EPA/540/A5-89/001) and Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/5-89/00 la) 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, but toxicity 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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ray Funderburk
Funderburk & Associates
3312 llth Street
Gulfport, MS 35901
228-868-9915
Fax: 228-868-7637
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 79
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
GENERAL ATOMICS
(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.
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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.
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 leachable after
(2)
COMBUSTION
CHAMBER
FD
FAN
Circulating Bed Combustor (CBC)
Page 80
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
incineration. Treated residual ash can be replaced
on site or stabilized for 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-diameter CBCs 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
performed as follows:
CBC
• 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dan Jensen, General Atomics
P.O. Box 85608
3550 General Atomics Court
San Diego, CA 92186-9784
619-455-4458 Fax:619-455-4111
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 81
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 (PCB),
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 were
performed on the treated sectors. A four-auger
Reagent
Silo
Water
In Situ Solidification and Stabilization Process Flow Diagram
Page 82
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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:
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:
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
unconfmed compressive strength
(UCS), low permeability, and low
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 83
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
GEOSAFE CORPORATION
(GeoMelt Vitrification, previously In Situ Vitrification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Geosafe Corporation's (Geosafe) GeoMelt
vitrification process uses electricity to melt soil or
other earthen materials at temperatures of 1600 to
2000 °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.
The mobile GeoMelt system is mounted on three
semi-trailers. Electric power may be provided by
local utility or on-site diesel generator. Typical
In Situ Vitrification Process Equipment
Page 84
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
abroad 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
will 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 leachable 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
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7949
Fax:513-569-7105
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
James Hansen or Matthew Haass
Geosafe Corporation
2952 George Washington Way
Richland,WA 99352-1615
509-375-0710
Fax: 509-375-7721
E-Mail: geosafe@oneworld.out.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 85
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
TO AIR POLLUTION
CONTROL SYSTEM
PRETREATED
CONTAMINATED
MOLTEN PRODUCT TAP
MOLD CONTAINING
VITRIFIED PRODUCT
Cold Top Ex-Situ Vitrification Technology
Page 86
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 leachable 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
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
13 8 Warren Street Newark, NJ 07102
973-596-5846
Fax: 973-802-1946
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 87
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
GIS\SOLUTIONS, INC.
(GIS\Key™ Environmental Data Management System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
GIS\Key™ 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, GIS\Key™ v.3.0 integrates different
data types, allowing swift production of complex
graphics such as geo-chemical cross sections and
flux graphics.
GIS\Key™ 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 GIS\Key™ 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. GIS\Key™
includes audit or transaction logging capabilities for
source data as well as metadata.
The GIS\Key™ v3.0 also employs two new
project 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.
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 applic-
able regulatory 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, CIS
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
Page 88
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
Scout™ also manages data security and multi-user
network installations of GIS\Key™ v.3.0. Smart
Query™
users set conditions on project data, displays data
meeting those conditions, then creates desired
output. GIS\Key™ v3.0 also has new modules for
radiological chemistry and RCRA Statistics. Site
data related to ecological assessment and air
emissions is not managed by this system.
The GIS\Key™ 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. GIS\Key™
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 thst 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 GIS\Key™ software is in use at several
Superfund sites including the Crazyhorse site
near Salinas, Califonia, and the Moffett
Field site near San Jose, California. The
U.S. AirForce's Environmental Data
Management and Decision Support working
group has successfully
tested the effectiveness of the GIS\Key™
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 GIS\Key™ 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 GIS\Key™ menu commands. The
system automated well and borehole logs based on
the information contained in the database.
GISVKey™ provided several editable reference lists,
including a list of regulatory thresholds, test
methods, and a list of chemical names, aliases, and
registry numbers. The GIS\Key™ database menu
provided commands for electronic database import
and export. Any of the database files used by
GIS\Key™ 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Lawrence S. Eytel
GIS\Solutions, Inc.
1800 Sutter Street
Suite 830
Concord, CA 94520
925-827-5400 x 207
Fax: 925-827-5467
E-mail: sales@giskey.com
Internet: http ://www.giskey.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 89
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 (PAH),
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
Page 90
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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 is 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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Paged!
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
GRUPPO ITALIMPRESSE
(developed by SHIRCO INFRARED SYSTEMS, INC.)
(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 (PCB).
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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
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
Mobile Thermal Processing System
Page 92
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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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/540/5-88/002aand 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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 93
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
HARDING LAWSON ASSOCIATES
(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
CONTAMINANT
SOURCE
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
PLUME
NUTRIENTS,
OXYGEN
(METHANE)
VADOSE
ZONE
SATURATEDJ
ZONE \
IMPERMEABLE
LAYER
GROUNDWATER FLOW
Two-Zone, Plume Interception, In Situ Treatment Strategy
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The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
of methane results from the upstream, anaerobic
zone). When proper aerobic conditions are
attained in this zone, partially dechlorinated
products and other target 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:
Ronald Lewis
U.S. EPANational Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7856
Fax:513-569-7105
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jaret Johnson or Willard Murray
Harding Lawson Associates
107 Audubon Road, Suite 25
Wakefield, MA 01880
781-246-6606
Fax: 781-246-5060
E-mail: jjohnson@harding.com or
wmurray@harding .com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 51
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 that provide oxygen
to the microbial populations. Periodically,
additional injections are made to replenish
nutrients and electron acceptors.
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
that increase formation permeability. In
Overview of the Integrated Pneumatic Fracturing and Bioremediation Process
Page 52
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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. 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 Project 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 by comparing
analytical results 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 concentrations 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 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 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 CONTACTS:
John Schuring
Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University Heights
Newark, NJ 07102
201-596-5849
Fax: 201-802-1946
David Kosson
Department of Chemical and Biochemical
Engineering
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
P.O. Box 909
Piscataway, NJ 08855
908-445-4346
Fax: 908-445-2637
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 53
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
HIGH VOLTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS, INC.
(formerly ELECTRON BEAM RESEARCH FACILITY, FLORIDA
INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY, and UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI)
(High-Energy Electron Irradiation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
High-voltage electron irradiation of water produces a
large number of reactive chemical species, including
the aqueous electron (e"^), the hydrogen radical (H-),
and the hydroxyl radical (OH-). 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 (Bf). 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:
The Mobile Electron Beam Hazardous Waste Treatment System
Page 94
Bologies
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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
hexachloroethane
• 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 (ptg/L), respectively.
The groundwater also contained low levels of cis-
1,2-dichloroethene (40 Mg/L). The following
compounds were also spiked into the influent
stream at approximately 500 Mg/L:
1,2-dichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride,
1,1,1-trichloroethane, 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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 95
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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.
PUMPING SYSTEM ELECTRON ACCELERATOR
CONTROL ROOM
OFFICE/LAB
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Mobile Electron Beam Treatment System
Page 54
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
Except for slurrying, this technology does not
require any pretreatment of wastes.
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 electron
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:
Mary Stinson
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
MS-104, Building 10
2890 Woodbridge Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
908-321-6683
Fax: 908-321-6640
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
William Cooper
High Voltage Environmental Applications, Inc.
9562 Doral Boulevard
Miami, FL 33178
305-593-5330
Fax: 305-593-0071
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 55
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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)
leachable. 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 nickel matte, (7) zinc plant leach
Natural Gas
Oxygen + Air
FLAME
REACTOR
Solid-Waste Feed
Air
Off-Gas
SLAG
SEPARATOR
BAGHOUSE
Effluent Slag
Oxide Product
HRD Flame Reactor Process Flow
Page 96
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Regis Zagrocki
Horsehead Resource Development Co., Inc.
Field Station - East Plant
Delaware Avenue
Palmerton, PA 18071
610-826-8818
Fax: 610-828-8872
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 97
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
HRUBETZ ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, INC.
(HRUBOUT® 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 1,500 °F.
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
CENTRAL
COLLECTION
POINT
T=72°F
HOT AIR INJECTION WELLS
T=250°-1200°F
psig=5-22
------^WATERTABLE_----
HRUBOUT® Process
Page 98
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Albert Hrubetz
Hrubetz Environmental Services, Inc.
5956 Sherry Lane, Suite 534
Dallas, TX 75225
214-363-7833
Fax: 214-691-8545
E-Mail: Hrubetz@prodigy.
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 99
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 or
sewer. 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
»
1 1 1
III
J
J
LIQUIDS
(HYDROCARBONS/
WATER)
VAPOR
" STEAM
HYDROCARBON*
[7QUID STEAM
Steam Enhanced Recovery Process
Page 100
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 Project 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@epamail.epa.gov
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 101
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
IIT RESEARCH INSTITUTE/
BROWN AND ROOT ENVIRONMENTAL
(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
Adjusted in the
Field to Match
Contaminated Aluminum
RF Shield
Vapor from
Surface
Expanded Metal
RF Shield
Vapor from
Ground Row
Electrodes
Vapor Barrier and
RF Shield on Surface
Shielding Electrode
Rows
In Situ Radio Frequency Heating System
Page 102
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
and Root Environmental was the prime contractor
evaluating and 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Harsh Dev
IIT Research Institute
10 West 3 5th Street
Chicago, IL 60616-3799
312-567-4257
Fax: 312-567-4286
Captain Jeff Stinson
U.S. Air Force Armstrong Laboratory
Environmental Risk Management, AL/EQW-OL
139 Barnes Drive, Suite 2
Tyndall AFB, FL 32403-5323
904-283-6254
Fax: 904-283-6064
Clifton Blanchard
Brown and Root Environmental
800 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Jackson Plaza, A-600
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
423-483-9900
Fax: 423-483-2014
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 103
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY
(Chemical and Biological Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Institute of Gas Technology (IGT) chemical
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. The treatment system (see photograph
below) 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,
Chemical and Biological Treatment Process
Page 56
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
complex with organic or inorganic material in the
soil slurries, or become soluble in the recycled
water.
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/5 4 O/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:
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:
Robert Kelley
Institute of Gas Technology
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-768-0722
Fax: 847-768-0546
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 57
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY
(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 technologies:
(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. Specific cultures are
selected based on site contaminant characteristics.
For example, if a site is primarily contaminated
with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH),
cultures able to metabolize or cometabolize these
hydrocarbons are used. In this way 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, resulting in enhanced extraction
Contaminated
Soil
Stage 1
EXTRACTION
Decontaminated
Soil
Separation
Solvent
Stage 2
SEPARATION
Separation Solvents
with Contaminants
Stage3
BIOLOGICAL
DEGRADATION
I
Water, Carbon
Dioxide, and
Biomass
Fluid Extraction-Biological Degradation Process
Page 58
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
efficiency and decreased extraction time. Bound,
activated carbon should also limit the loss of
carbon dioxide, thereby decreasing costs.
Activated carbon containing the bound PAHs
could then be treated in the biodegradation step by
converting the carrier system to a biofilm reactor.
The 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 other manfactured
gas sites. These soils exhibited a variety of
physical and chemical characteristics. About 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 on the project was also submitted
to the Journal of Air and Waste Management.
Potential users of the technology have expressed
interest in continuing research, and the technology
has been invited to participate in the SITE
Demonstration Program. The technology would
be able to remediate other manufactured gas sites,
wood treatment sites, and 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
513-569-7655
Fax: 513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Robert Paterek
Institute of Gas Technology
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-768-0720
Fax: 847-768-0546
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 59
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY
(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 are destroyed efficiently. Solid,
nonvolatile, inorganic contaminants are combined
within a glassy matrix consisting of discrete
pebble-sized agglomerates that are suitable for
disposal in a landfill.
The first stage of the combustor is an
agglomerating fluidized-bed reactor, which can
operate under substoichiometric conditions or
with excess air. The system can operate from
low temperature (desorption) to high temperature
(agglomeration). The 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 F° to 2,000 F°, while the
central hot zone temperature can be varied
between 2,000 F° 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. The pellets are
essentially nonleachable under the conditions
AGGCOM Pilot Plant
Page 60
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
of the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure
(TCLP). The product gas from the fluidized bed
may contain unburned hydrocarbons, furans,
dioxins, and carbon monoxide, as well as carbon
dioxide and water, which are the products of
complete combustion.
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 F° 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 in
diameter to support fluidized bed operation; there-
fore, certain wastes may require grinding or
pulverizing 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 leachability.
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:
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Amir Rehmat or Michael Mensinger
Institute of Gas Technology
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-768-0588 or 847-768-0602
Fax: 847-768-0516
E-mail: arehmat@igt.org ormensing@igt.org
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 61
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
INSTITUTE OF GAS TECHNOLOGY
(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 matrix in place. The
contaminants are 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
EXTRACTION
WET AIR OXIDATION
CONTAMINATED
SOIL
CO2 & H2O
CLEANED
SOIL
CARBON FOR
RECYCLE
VESSEL HEATERS
CLEAN
WATER
Supercritical Extraction/Liquid Phase Oxidation (SELPhOx) Process
Page 62
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
transformed to relatively innocuous compounds in
the product water. These compounds include
sulfuric acid and 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 destruction efficiencies
of extracted contaminants in the WAO process.
Analytical results from the project 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 yet to be 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Michael Mensinger
ENDESCO Services, Inc.
1700 South Mount Prospect Road
Des Plaines, IL 60018-1804
847-768-0602
Fax: 847-768-0516
E-mail: mensinger @endesco.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 63
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
IONICS RCC
(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 polychlorinated biphenyls
(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
EXTRACTION/
DEWATERING
SECONDARY
EXTRACTION/ |
D
Steam Ctean
Solids
Product
Spent Fines Centrals
Solvent Tank Tank
I p *| Solvent
rcoxr
B.E.S.T. Solvent Extraction Technology
Product
Page 104
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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)
• Technology Demonstration Summary
(EPA/540/SR-92/079)
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
William Heins
Ionics RCC
3006 Northup Way, Suite 200
Bellevue, WA 98004
425-828-2400
Fax: 425-828-0526
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 105
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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.
The system uses conventional, readily available
process equipment and does not generate
hazardous combustion products. Hazardous
materials are separated from soils as concentrates,
which can then be disposed of or recycled.
Treated soil can be returned to the site.
During treatment, waste soil is slurried in water
and heated to 100° C. The 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 are 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
Recycled water from
extraction step
Soil slurry to
metal extraction
or dewatering vessel
Batch distillation vessel
Batch Steam Distillation Step
Page 64
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
requiring treatment. Processing time depends on
equipment size and batch cycle times; about one
batch of soil can be treated every 4 hours.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process may be applied to soils and sludges
contaminated with organics, inorganics, and
heavy metals.
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 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 precipitation rate of heavy metals into a
concentrate.
Estimated treatment costs per ton, including
capital recovery, for the two treatment steps are
shown in the box below.
Batch Steam Distillation
500-ton site
2,500-ton site
Metals Extraction
(including acid recovery)
500-ton site
2,500-ton site
$299-3 93/ton
$266-3 50/ton
$447-6 19/ton
$396-545/ton
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:
Stuart Shealy
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923-4709
423-690-3211
Fax: 423-694-9573
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 65
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 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 effectivenessin
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
Regenerated Chelating Agent
Contaminated Soil
De watering
(Phase
Separation)
w. "C
(Liquid
Phase)
1 Electromembrane
Reactor (EMR)
Soil
Wai
^
^ (Solid Phase)
Simplified Process Flow Diagram of Treatment Process
Page 66
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
approximately 2 percent. Toxicity characteristic
leaching 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Radha Krishnan
IT Corporation
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246-4012
513-782-4700
Fax: 513-782-4663
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 67
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 contaminants into distinct
organic and inorganic phases that can then be
further minimized, recycled, or destroyed at
commercial disposal facilities. Decontaminated
soil can then 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 passes through activated carbon, which
removes soluble organics, before the aqueous
phase is combined 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.
Gravity separation is used to separate higher
density particles from common soil.
Radionuclide contaminants are typically found in
Organic Phase
Radionuclides
on Resin
Mixed Waste Treatment Process
Page 68
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
this fraction. The gravity separation device (such
as a shaker table, jig, cone, or spiral) depends on
the contaminant distribution and the physical
properties of the thermally treated soil.
Many radionuclides and other heavy metals are
dissolved or suspended in the aqueous media.
These contaminants are separated from the soils
and are precipitated. A potassium ferrate for-
mulation 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
the solution 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. 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 polychlorinated 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 Ocean. Gravity separation
successfully removed plutonium from native soils.
Water treatment using 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ed Alperin
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923-4709
423-690-3211
Fax: 423-694-9573
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 69
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
IT CORPORATION
(Photolytic and Biological Soil Detoxification)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
This technology is a two-stage, in situ photolytic
and biological detoxification process designed 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 to promote the degradation process.
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, the soil must 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.
Photolytic Degradation Process Using UV Lights
Page 70
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
The only treatment residuals of the process 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, the
soils can be left on site.
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 or PCBs 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. 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 levels occurred during treatment.
Other studies examined PCB biodegradation in
(1) soil treated with a surfactant and UV radiation,
(2) untreated soil, and (3) soil known to have
PCB-degrading microorganisms. 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
degrading microorganism.
• 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Duane Graves
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923-4709
423-690-3211
Fax: 423-694-3626
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 77
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
IT CORPORATION
(Tekno Associates Bioslurry Reactor)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
IT Corporation (IT) has used the Bioslurry
Reactor (developed by Tekno Associates of 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
are 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.
Succinate is a by-product of naphthalene
metabolism and serves as a general carbon source.
Salicylate induces naphthalene degradation of
PAH plasmids in the microorganisms. The
system has been shown to degrade phenanthrene
and anthracene. The naphthalene pathway may
also play a role in carcinogenic PAH (CPAH)
metabolism.
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
MANUAL
PH
ADJUSTMENT
ATMOSPHERE
LEGEND:
\ SAMPLE PORT
(PR) PRESSURE REGULATOR
(pi) PRESSURE INDICATOR (KE) TIMER
M-1 B_., R_1 M-2ABC T-7 Z-1 P-5 Z-2
FEED A!R AIR BIOREACTOR BIOREACTOR 2 CARBON EFFLUENT AIR
MIXER BLOWER ROTAMETER MIXER (SOIL) ADSORPTION PUMP SAMPLING
DEVICE
T-1 p-1 S-1
FEED FEED PUMP AIR
(20L) (12UDAY) FILTER
T-6 T-8 P-6
BIOREACTOR 1 BIOREACTOR 3 SLURRY
(SOIL) (SOIL) PUMP
T-2
CLARIFIER
T-5
EFFLUENT
CONTAINER
(20L)
Tekno Associates Bioslurry Reactor System
Page 72
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
PAHs. Fenton's reagent produces a free radical
that can oxidize multiring aromatic hydrocarbons.
The T-8 reactor (third in a series) was used as a
polishing reactor to remove any partially oxidized
contaminants remaining after treatment with
Fenton's reagent. Slurry was removed from this
reactor and clarified using gravity settling
techniques.
The reactors increased the rate and extent of PAH
biodegradation, making bioslurry treatment of
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 Corporation 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 United States. About
4,000 pounds of PAH-contaminated soil was
screened and treated during 1994. CPAH and
PAH removals were demonstrated at 84 and 95
percent, respectively. A final report was available
from EPA in 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Brunilda Davila
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7849
Fax: 513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Kandi Brown
IT Corporation
312 Directors Drive
Knoxville, TN 37923
423-690-3211
Fax: 423-690-3626
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 73
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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-
*ec-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.
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 maintaining
anaerobic conditions. Frequency of mixing
depends upon the contaminants present,
concentration, soil heterogeneity, and soil type.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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
Bioreactors and Soil Mixing System at a TNT-Contaminated Site in Washington
Page 146
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 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 herbicide distributor
located near Reedley, California. The treatment
was performed in an aboveground 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 feet by 150 feet 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.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the Weldon 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 percent.
Toxicity testing, which included early seedling
growth, root elongation, and earthworm
reproduction tests, showed that soil toxicity was
significantly reduced. The Weldon Spring
demonstration showed the effectiveness of this
process even in unfavorable conditions. The
treatment time was lengthened by unseasonably
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 percent
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Tom Yergovich
J.R. Simplot Company
P.O. Box 198
Lanthrop, CA 95330
209-858-25llext. 6409
Fax:209-858-2519
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 747
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
KAI TECHNOLOGIES, INC./
BROWN AND ROOT ENVIR&NMENTAL
(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 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
TD1 &TD2O
TD3O
A = antenna
O = pressure transducer
% = extraction well
• = Infrared temperature and
electric field profiling wells
a
r Source with 1
itstion & Controls
1
S
l\3
1
E1 E2 E
IP"Fj * V-rfci'
E4 F3 E5
F4 F5
E6 E7 E
* = thermowell
x = thermocouple string
) • • • = vapor collection lines
b
TC2 TD6&TD3
x- O x O O
TC3 TD5 & TD2 TD4
8
:
Vapor
Treatment Systerr
OTDT&TDB
KAI Antenna System
Page 106
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
(completed projects). KAI is now leasing
commercial units to engineering companies
throughout 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 treatments 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Raymond Kasevich or Michael Marley
KAI Technologies, Inc.
170 West Road, Suite 4
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-431-2266 or 413-528-4651
Fax:603-431-4920
Captain Jeff Stinson
U.S. Air Force Armstrong Laboratory
Environmental Risk Management,
AL/EQW-OL
139 Barnes Drive, Suite 2
Tyndall AFB, FL 32403-5323
904-283-6254
Fax: 904-283-6286
Clifton Blanchard
Brown and Root Environmental
800 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Jackson Plaza, A-600
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
423-483-9900
Fax: 423-483-2014
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 107
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 (VOC) (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, 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
AIR2000
Page 74
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 a
broad 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.
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. Preliminary results show that the system
is operating at 99.99% 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.
The AIR 2000 Process was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration program in 1998, with the
objective of demonstrating the performance of the
system at the Superfund site in Rhode Island.
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
TECHNOLOGY LICENSEE CONTACT:
Dr. Bill de Waal
Trojan Technologies, Inc.
3020 Gore Road
London, Ontario N5V-4T7
CANADA
519-457-3400
Fax:519-457-3030
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 75
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 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 the Lewis'
ENVIRO-CLEAN, which consists of a granulated
activated carbon system followed by an electro-
lytic recovery system. The ENVIRO-CLEAN
recovers 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
with
Re
I
Contaminated Leaching
Heavy Metals Solution
'
1 1
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Page 76
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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
ENVTRO-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 was made available in
1997.
In 1992, Lewis treated a 5-gallon sample of CCA-
contaminated soil from a 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 and 0.9
milligram per kilogram (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 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
faculty in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 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:513-569-7571
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Tom Lewis III
Lewis Environmental Services, Inc.
R.J. Casey Industrial Park
Preble and Columbus Streets
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
412-322-8100
Fax: 412-322-8109
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 77
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
organiccompounds. 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
GROUNDWATER
HOLDING TANK
INFLUENT
FLOW
METER
P
TO
DISCHARGE
^ OR
REUSE
CAV-OX® II
H.E. UV REACTOR |
(OPTIONAL)
CAV-OX® I
L.E. UV REACTOR
CAV-OX® CAV-OX®
PUMP CHAMBER
The CAV-OX® Process
Page 108
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
water reclamation 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 major
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®! 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
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
H,Cy
CAV-OX* I
Concen-
trations Flow
(mq/U2 tarn)3 TCE
33.1
23.4
4.9
48.3
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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
.
:
CAY-QX® I
Removal Efficiencies (%) Flow
Benzene Toluene Xvlene (qom)
>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
>99.9
65.6
>99.9
92.1
80.2
98.9
98.1
>99.9
.
1.5
2.0
4.0
1.4
1.9
3.9
1.4
1.9
4.0
1.6
: i !!
5-kW
99.6
99.7
87.7
99.8
98.4
85.1
99.6
97.8
86.3
94.1
80.6
TCE
10-kW
99.2
99.7
98.1
99.7
99.3
97.1
99.4
99.2
98.9
99.2
97.6
£
5-kW
99.4
99.5
89.7
99.8
98.8
89.5
99.6
99.4
93.5
49.1
38.5
emoval Efficiencies (%)
nzene Toluene
1 0-kW 5-kW 1 0-kW
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
Xylene
5-kW 1 0-kW
>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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 109
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
MATRIX PHOTOCATALYTIC INC.
(Photocatalytic Water Treatment)
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
Page 110
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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) and unsaturated 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-l,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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Bob Henderson
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc.
22 Pegler Street
London, Ontario, Canada
N5Z 2B5
519-660-8669 Fax:519-660-8525
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 777
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 suppression
...... Atomizing Air
Soil/
Waste
rk
„ KIL
Natural
Gas
r»
C3> Cyclone
" iY-
T" f
GD |
1 T
Multistage ^ Processed Soil
Svstem
I
Monitor ng Points
i r* 0=
i
^ Baghouse
1, 1
!
1
M'
1 . Soil Feed Rate 6. Quench Water Flow
2. Kiln Entry Pressure 7. Quench Exit
3. Kiln Gas Exit Temperature
Temperature 8. Baghouse
4. Soil Discharge Differential Pressure
Temperature 9. ID Fan Differential
5. AB Gas
-xit Pressure
Temperature 10. Stack Gas Flow Rate
11. CEM (CO, C02, 02,
THC)
— Make Up Water
Mobile Thermal Desorption System
Page 112
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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.
• C
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:
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:
Neal Maxymillian
Maxymillian Technologies, Inc.
84 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
617-557-6077
Fax: 617-557-6088
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 113
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
MEDIA & PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(formerly ALUMINUM COMPANY OF AMERICA andALCOA SEPARATION
TECHNOLOGY, INC.)
(Bioscrubber)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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 chromatographic effect (premature
desorption) common in an adsorber is eliminated
because the maximum capacity is available
constantly. The bioscrubber's advantages are
fully exploited
Mass Flow
Controllers
/\
,
Mass Flow
Controllers
T
Bioscrubber Pilot-Scale Unit
Page 78
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
when the off-gas contains weakly
adsorbedcontaminants, 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 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 eco-
nomically 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 project
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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Paul Liu
Media and Process Technology, Inc.
1155 William Pitt Way
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
412-826-3711
Fax: 412-826-3720
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 79
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 compounds 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 more than 100,000 parts
per million.
VaporSep® Membrane Organic Vapor Recovery System
Page 80
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 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
performance standards for the synthetic
organic chemical manufacturing industry
• Treatment of air stripper exhaust before
discharge to the atmosphere
• Recovery of CFCs and hydro-
chlorofluorocarbons
• 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
project 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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Marc Jacobs
Doug Gottschlich
Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
13 60 Willow Road
MenloPark, CA 94025-1516
415-328-2228
Fax: 415-328-6580
E-mail: mjacobs@mtrinc.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 81
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
MONTANA COLLEGE OF MINERAL
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(Air-Sparged Hydrocyclone)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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 of such systems 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.
Overflow
Vortex Finder
Porous
Underflow Froth Cylinder
Underflow
Air-Sparged Hydrocyclone
Page 82
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
In contrast, the ASH has a specific flotation
capacity of at least 100 tpd per cubic foot of cell
volume.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
Standard flotation techniques used in industrial
mineral processing are effective ways of
concentrating materials. However, metal value
recovery is never complete and the valuable
material escaping the milling process is frequently
concentrated in the very fine particle fraction.
The ASH can remove fine mineral particles that
are amenable to the 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. 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Theodore Jordan
Montana College of Mineral Science
and Technology
West Park Street
Butte, MT 57901
406-496-4112
406-496-4193
Fax: 406-496-4133
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 83
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 high 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 sufficiently 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
Slurry Inlet
Bull Wheel
Pulse Water Inlet
Cone Shroud
Hutch Area —*
Pulse Water Outlet
Access
'Doors
—Tails Outlet
- Cone Outlet
Campbell Centrifugal Jig (CCJ)
Page 84
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 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 particles.
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.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Gordon Ziesing
Montana College of Mineral Science
and Technology
West Park Street
Butte, MT 59701
406-496-4112
406-496-4193
Fax: 406-496-4133
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 85
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 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 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 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
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
Page 114
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
objectives are met. After injection, the clay-based
grout retains its plasticity and does not crystallize,
providing 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:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Kathryn Levihn
Rick Raymondi
Morrison Knudsen Corporation/STG
P.O. Box 73
Boise, ID 83729
208-386-6115
Fax: 208-386-6669
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 115
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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, polychlorinated
biphenyls, and trichloroethene, as well as
vegetable and animal oils.
Treatment systems incorporating this technology
have been designed for various applications,
including (1) contamin ated groundwater pump-
and-treat systems; (2) in-process oil and water
separation; (3) filtration systems; (4) combined
/ \
Oleof liter
Pressurized
Feed
/ \
Pressurized
Clean Water
Out
/BackwashX
and Partial
Draw
Recycled
Upstream of
Primary
Separator
/ \
Backwash
Air In
/ \
Backwash
Water in
Heat When
Viscous
Hydrocarbons
Handled
/ \
Control
Cabinet
Schematic Diagram of the Oleofilter Technology
Page 132
Bologies
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February 1999
Completed Project
oil and water 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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 133
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
(GHEA Associates Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The GHEA Associates process applies surfactants
and additives to soil washing and wastewater
treatment to make organic and metal contaminants
soluble. In soil washing, soil is 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 are 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
Contaminated
Soil
Surfactant
Extraction
f
Liquid
Rinse
Clean
Soil
Recycle
Recycle
;
Clean
Water
Contaminant
GHEA Process for Soil Washing
Page 86
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
flushing. Contaminants that can be treated
include both organics and 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. Costs for
treatment range from $50 to $80 per ton. The
Emerging Technology Bulletin
(EPA/540/F-94/509), which details evaluation
results, is available from EPA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7861
Fax:513-569-7620
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
/olatile 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%
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 87
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
NOVATERRA ASSOCIATES
(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 (VOC) and semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC) 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,
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 to the
atmosphere. When treating chlorinated VOCs
and SVOCs, an acid scrubber can be added if
Air
Compressor
Containment
Device
Cutter
Blades'
/Kelly
Steam
Generator
Bar
Atmosphere
Offgas Process
Treatment System
FT n n n
In Situ Soil Treatment Process Schematic
Page 134
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
55 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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Phil La Mori
NOVATERRA Associates
2419 Outpost Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90068-2644
213-969-9788
Fax:213-969-9782
E-mail: NOVATERRA(o),aol.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 135
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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; pentachlorophenol (PCP)
and other chlorinated phenols; and
polychlorinated dioxins and furans.
LIQUID DECOMPOSITION
Base-Catalyzed Decomposition (BCD) Process
Page 116
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
project 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
630°F.
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 belter 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 belter,
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
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 or Steven Detwiler
ETG Environmental, Inc.
16 Hagerty Boulevard
West Chester, PA 19382-7594
610-431-9100
Fax:610-431-9140
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 777
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
Contaminated
Debris
Pilot-Scale Debris Washing System
Page 122
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS:
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, 5 5-gallon
drums were decontaminated in the DWS.
Results from the SITE demonstration have been
published in a Technology Evaluation Report
(EP A/540/5-9 l/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 (ig/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.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
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 ((jg/cm2). All 75
contaminated transformer casings on site were
decontaminated 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 (ig/100 cm2 to
average concentrations of 10 and 1 (ig/100 cm2,
respectively.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Donald Sanning
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7875
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Michael Taylor or Majid Dosani
IT Corporation
11499 Chester Road
Cincinnati, OH 45246-4012
513-782-4700
Fax:513-782-4807
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 123
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
Fungal
*"v Treatment
Innocuous
By-Products
In Situ White Rot Fungal Treatment of Contaminated Soil
Page 120
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 leachability
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
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
Richard Lamar
INTECH 180 Corporation
1770 N. Research Parkway, Suite 100
North Logan, UT 84341
801-753-2111
Fax: 801-753-8321
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 121
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY,
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI, and ^RX, 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.
ijfirW '"".*."*Z5£l&ar~; .'f -. .• • •'.«
Hydraulic Fracturing Process (Well is at center of photograph)
Page 124
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
William Slack
FRX Inc.
P.O. Box 37945
Cincinnati, OH 45222
513-469-6040
Fax: 513-469-9747
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 125
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
NATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
RESEARCH LABORATORY
(Volume Reduction Unit)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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
Page 118
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS:
SITE
The VRU was accepted into the
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
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
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
ofPAHs 87
Condition (%)
2 3
93 97
84 96
96 81
113 98
60 24
60 17
Demonstration Data
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 119
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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). The biovault is 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.
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
Water Piping
(Top)
Nutrient Addition-
Contaminated
Soil
Gravel
30' -0"
Schematic of the Ex Situ Biovault System
Cross Section of the
Ex Situ Biovault System
Page 126
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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-1,2-
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, will be
available in 1999.
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:
Carolyn Acheson, Ph.D.
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7190
Fax: 513-569-7105
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 727
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION/RE. WRIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.
(In Situ Bioventing Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The R.E. Wright Environmental, Inc. (REWEI),
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 trichloroethene (TCE)
In Situ Bioventing Treatment System
Page 130
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
nonchlorinated VOCs and semivolatile organic
compounds that are biodegradable. The REWEI
process was developed to treat volatile chlorinated
aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in the
unsaturated soil zone.
STATUS:
The REWEI process was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in June 1994. The
REWEI 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/5 40/MR-95/525) is available from
EPA. The Innovative Technology Evaluation
Report, which provides more detailed
demonstration results, will be available in 1997.
In addition to the REWEI 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:
Greg Sayles
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
U.S. EPA
26 West Martin Luther Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7607
Fax:513-569-7105
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
Richard Cronce
R.E. Wright Environmental, Inc.
3240 Schoolhouse Road
Middletown, PA 17057-3595
717.944.5501
Fax: 717-948-9398
Bologies.
Page 131
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION/SBP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Vacuum-Vaporized Well System)
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 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. 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 through 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
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
(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
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
Richard Desrosiers
SBP Technologies, Inc.
106 Corporate Park Drive
White Plains, NY 10604
914-694-2280
Fax: 914-694-2286
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 129
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
discharge also helps maintain a small negative
pressure within the system and prevents
potentially contaminated gases from
Page 136
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
George Hay
OHM Remediation Services Corp.
16406 U.S. Route 224 East
Findlay, OH45840
419-423-3526
Fax: 419-424-4991
Bologies.
Page 137
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 (MeIDAS) (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 electrostatic
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
(1) PARTICULATE REMOVAL
(2) ACID-GAS SCRUBBER
BURNER
TREATED
SOIL/FLY ASH
DISCHARGE
MelDAS Process
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The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
containing lead paint or leaded gasoline, or
chemical or pesticide manufacturing facilities
contaminated with organometallics.
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 began 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Joseph Morency
PSI Technologies, A Division of
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover, MA 01810
508-689-0003
Fax: 508-689-3232
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 89
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 being absorbed a signifi-
cant fraction of the ionizing radiation in the
container walls. Either flowing waste or con-
taminated waste in stationary or rotating contain-
ers can be treated. No additives are required for
the process, and in situ treatment is feasible. The
cost of high throughput X-rayprocessing is
estimated to be competitive with alternative
processes that decompose the contaminants.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
X-ray processing can treat a large number of
organic contaminants in aqueous solutions (such
as groundwater, liquids, leachates, or wastewater)
without expensive waste extraction or preparation.
The technology has successfully treated 17
organic contaminants (see 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 evaluated in April 1994. A 1.2-MeV, 800-
ampere, 5 5-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 contaminant 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.
Page 90
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 hydroxyl 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. The table below summarizes the
X-ray treatment results from the SITE evaluation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Esperanza Piano Renard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
2890 Woodbridge Avenue, MS-104
Edison, NJ 08837-3679
908-321-4355
Fax: 908-321-6640
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Vernon Bailey
Pulse Sciences, Inc.
600 McCormick Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
510-632-5100, ext. 227
Fax: 510-632-5300
CONTAMINANT
TCE
PCE
Chloroform
Methylene Chloride
Trans-l,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 #1
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 91
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
RADIAN INTERNATIONAL LLC
(formerly DOW ENVIRONMENTAL, INC.)
(Integrated AquaDetox Steam Vacuum Stripping and Soil Vapor
Extraction/Reinj ection)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The integrated AquaDetox Steam Vacuum
Stripping and soil vapor extraction/reinj ection
(SVE) system simultaneously treats groundwater
and soil contaminated with volatile organic
compounds (VOC). The integrated system
consists of (1) an AquaDetox moderate vacuum
stripping tower that uses low-pressure steam to
treat contaminated groundwater, and (2) an SVE
process that treats contaminated soil. The two
processes form a closed-loop system that
simultaneously remediates contaminated
groundwater and soil in situ with virtually no air
emissions.
AquaDetox is a high-efficiency, countercurrent
stripping technology. A single-stage unit can
remove up to 99.99 percent of VOCs in water.
The SVE system uses a vacuum to treat VOC-
contaminated soil, inducing a flow of air through
the soil and removing vapor-phase VOCs with the
extracted soil gas. Carbon beds remove the VOCs
from the soil gas, which is then reinjected into the
ground. The AquaDetox and SVE systems share
a granular activated carbon (GAC) unit that
decontaminates the combined vapors from both
systems (see photograph below). By-products of
the system are a free-phase recyclable product and
treated water. In addition, mineral regenerable
carbon requires disposal after about 3 years.
A key element of the closed-loop system is the
vent header unit. This unit collects
noncondensable gases from the AquaDetox
system for treatment in the GAC units. The
AquaDetox system then condenses and treats the
steam used to regenerate the GAC units.
Integrated AquaDetox/SVE System
Page 138
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology removes VOCs, including
chlorinated hydrocarbons, in groundwater and
soil. Sites with contaminated groundwater and soils
containing trichloroethene (TCE),
tetrachloroethene (PCE), and other VOCs are suit-
able for this on-site treatment process.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1990. A SITE
demonstration was conducted in September 1991
as part of an ongoing remediation at the San
Fernando Valley Groundwater Basin Superfund
site in Burbank, California. The Applications
Analysis Report (EPA/540/A5-91/002) and
Demonstration Bulletin (EPA/540/M5-91/002) are
available from EPA.
The AquaDetox/SVE system had been used for
over 3 years at the time of the SITE evaluation to
treat groundwater and soil gas at the Lockheed
Aeronautical Systems Company in Burbank,
California. Contaminated groundwater was
treated at a rate of up to 1,200 gallons per minute
(gpm), while soil gas was removed and treated at
a rate of 300 cubic feet per minute. The system
occupied about 4,000 square feet. It was
operational 95 percent of the time, with 5 percent
downtime for scheduled and nonscheduled
repairs.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
During the SITE demonstration, the AquaDetox/
SVE system achieved the following results:
• The technology treated groundwater and
soil gas contaminated with VOCs.
• Efficiencies ranged from 99.92 to 99.99
percent for removal of VOCs from
contaminated groundwater. VOC removal
efficiencies for soil gas ranged from 98.0
to 99.9 percent when the GAC beds were
regenerated according to the specified
frequency (8-hour shifts). VOC
removal efficiencies dropped to as low as 93.4
percent when the GAC beds were regenerated less
frequently.
• The technology produced effluent
groundwater that complied with
regulatory discharge requirements for
TCE and PCE (5 micrograms per liter
for each compound).
• The GAC beds removed VOCs from
contaminated soil gas even after 24
hours of continuous operation without
steam regeneration.
• The system's steam consumption
dropped with decreasing tower
pressures. During the demonstration,
the system was more efficient at lower
operating tower pressures.
• The 500-, 1,000-, and 3,000-gpm
systems are estimated to cost about
$3.2, $4.3, and $5.8 million,
respectively. The total annual operation
and maintenance costs are about
$410,000, $630,000 and $1,500,000 for
the 500-, 1,000-, and 3,000-gpm
systems, respectively.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ken Solcher
Radian International LLC
1990 North California Boulevard, Suite 500
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
713-914-6607
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 139
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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.
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 figure below depicts the basic ACE process.
Electrocoagulation occurs in either batch mode,
allowing recirculation, or continuous (one-pass)
mode in an ACE fluidized bed 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
Vent or
Treated Gas
Aqueous
ACE
SEPARATOR™
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.
Treatment generally requires application of low
voltage (<135 VAC) and operating currents of
Liquid
Solid
- Air far
Turbulence
Alternating Current Electrocoagulation (ACE)
Page 92
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Kenneth Kinecki
RECRA Environmental, Inc.
10 Hazelwood Drive, Suite 110
Amherst, NY 14228-2298
800-527-3272
Fax: 716-691-2617
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 93
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Biofilm Reactor for Chlorinated Gas Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Remediation Technologies, Inc., biological
treatment technology uses aerobic cometabolic or-
ganisms 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 compound
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 area were determined.
Four pilot-scale biofilm reactors were then
established, with feeding strategies and retention
times based on earlier testing.
Gas
Effluent
Column Ht = 6'
Dia = 5"
Toxic
Methane Material
Humidified
Air
Nutrients
A
Aj,
A
A
A
Sample
Taps
3' media
4" gravel
Drain
Methanotrophic Biofilm Reactor
Page 94
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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:
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:
Hans Stroo
Remediation Technologies, Inc.
1011 S.W. Klickitat Way, Suite 207
Seattle, WA 98134
206-624-9349
Fax: 206-624-2839
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 95
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Liquid and Solids Biological Treatment)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Liquid and solids biological treatment (LST) 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.
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
Contaminated
Soil
Water
Nutrients
Microbes
Cleaned
Soil
Dewatering
Return Soils
to Site
Liquid and Solids Biological Treatment
Page 140
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Completed Project
associated 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: (1) 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 leachability 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:
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:
Merv Cooper
Remediation Technologies, Inc.
1011 S.W. KlickitatWay, Suite 207
Seattle, WA 98134
206-624-9349
Fax: 206-624-2839
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 141
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
Portable Effluent Treatment Equipment (PETE) Unit
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Completed Project
typical of hard water, such as calcium (Ca+2) and
magnesium (Mg+2), or monovalent cations, such
as sodium (Na+) and potassium (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:
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:
Michael Hosea
Resource Management & Recovery
4980 Baylor Canyon Road
LasCruces,NM 88011
505-382-9228
Fax: 505-382-9228
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 97
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ROCHEM SEPARATION SYSTEMS, INC.
(Rochem Disc Tube™ Module System)
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
Page 142
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
David LaMonica
Pall Rochem
3904 Del Amo Boulevard, Suite 801
Torrance, CA 90503
310-370-3160
Fax:310-370-4988
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 143
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
ROY F. WESTON, INC.
(Ambersorb® 563 Adsorbent)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Ambersorb® 563 adsorbent is a regenerable
adsorbent that treats groundwater contaminated
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)
AMBERSORB
ADSORBENT
COLUMS
TREATED WATER
SATURATED
AQUEOUS
PHASE
CONCENTRATED
ORGANIC PHASE
CONTAMINATED
GROUNDWATER
Ambersorb® 563 Adsorbent
Page 116
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Completed Project
• 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:
Ronald Turner
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7775
Fax: 513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
John Thoroughgood
Roy F. Weston, Inc.
1 Weston Way
West Chester, PA 19380-1499
610-701-3728
Fax: 610-701-5129
Deborah Plantz
Rohm and Haas Company
5000 Richmond Street
Philadelphia, PA 19137
215-537-4061
Fax: 215-537-4157
E-mail: MAHZDP@ROHMHAAS.COM
Note: Ambersorb® is a registered trademark of
Rohm and Haas Company.
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 117
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 ground water,
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. Integrating the two systems
allows removal and destruction of many
contaminants.
Membrane Filtration and Bioremediation
Page 144
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February 1999
Completed Project
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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 waste-
waters 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
canceledHowever, 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.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 145
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
SMITH ENVIRONMENTAL
TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
(formerly CANONIE 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
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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:
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® 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
(EPA/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 ODD) 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.
• 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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Joseph Hutton
Smith Environmental Technologies Corporation
304 Inverness Way South, Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 149
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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:
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB),
dioxins, furans, pesticides, herbicides
Clean Stack Gas
Discharge To Atmosphere
ATP
Processor
Hydrocarbons ^
^
^oncondensable
Condensation
Separation
Water
lib
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)
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Completed Project
• 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.
SoilTech 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 aver-
aging 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 leachable 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
513-569-7797
Fax: 513-569-7105
E-Mail: dePercin.Paul@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Joseph Hutton
Smith Environmental Technologies
Corporation
304 Inverness Way South, Suite 200
Englewood, CO 80112
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 151
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 unconfined 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
INTERNAL VIEW OF MIXER
FRONT END LOADER
(LOADING CONTAMINATED SOIL!
PROPRIETARY ADDITIVES
CONTROL PANEL
TREATED WASTE
Soliditech Processing Equipment
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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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 leachable 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 treat
ability 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 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.
Process Flow Diagram of the Molecular Bonding System
-------
STATUS:
This 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. Approximately 500 tons of each
waste stream was treated. The treated
wastes and souls 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 site in five different
states.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Thomas Holdsworth
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7675
Fax: 513-569-7676
E-Mail:
Holdworth.Thomas@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER
CONTACT:
Noel Spindler
SOLUCORP Industries
250 West Nyack Road
WestNyack,NY 10994
914-623-2333
Fax: 914-623-4987
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 and
Frequency-Tunable Pulse Combustion System Installed at
EPA's Research Facility
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
More detailed results will be available from EPA
in early 1997.
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 percent. 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ben Zinn
Sonotech, Inc.
3656 Paces Valley Road
Atlanta, GA 30327
404-894-3033
Fax: 404-894-2760
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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, 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. A
low direct current is applied to the electrodes,
and hydrogen peroxide and a reduced form of iron
are added. 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
immobilized by heating and phase conversion to
hematite. In specific applications, select metals
may be plated onto electrodes and recovered.
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
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February 1999
Completed Project
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This process is capable of treating liquids and
slurries containing a variety of contaminants,
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. An Emerging
Technology Report will be available in late 1996.
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 will be tested at a
gasoline-contaminated groundwater site in spring
1997. If initial tests are encouraging, in situ
application of the process will be conducted.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Hector Moreno
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7882
Fax: 513-569-7879
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 99
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 leachable
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 project development and on site
technical services and/or contracting services
during full scale remediation to ensure effective
Treatment of Contaminated Soil
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The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
application of the treatment 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 leachable 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
unconfmed 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Scott Larsen or Stephen Pegler
STC Remediation, Inc.
7650 East Redfield Road, Suite D-5
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
602-948-7100
Fax:602-991-3173
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 157
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
SVEDALA INDUSTRIES, INC.
(PYROKILN THERMAL ENCAPSULATION Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
PYROKILN
THERMAL
The
ENCAPSULATION process is designed to
improve conventional rotary kiln incineration of
hazardous waste. The process introduces
inorganic additives (fluxing agents) with 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, if necessary, by adding reagents to the
kiln and to the APC system to reduce leaching to
Contaminated
Bulk Materials
Rotary Kiln
Decontaminated
PYROKILN THERMAL ENCAPSULATION Process
Page 100
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 keep 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 conveying 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 metals that may be
encapsulated or stabilized include 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
leachability 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Jim Kidd
Svedala Industries, Inc.
20965 Crossroads Circle
Waukesha,WI 53186
414-798-6341
Fax:414-798-6211
Glenn Heian
Svedala Industries, Inc.
Process Research and Test Center
9180 Fifth Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154
414-762-1190
Fax: 414-764-3443
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 101
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 (1 to 1,000 cubic
1 Ton
Untreated Soil
1 Ton
Untreated Soil
1 Ton
Untreated Soil
,
I liquid chiller vapor
' filtration condenser pump _ '
CONTAMINANT-LADEN,,
SOLVENT
ATMOSPHERE
-»» Untreated Soil
—* Wash Solvent
• > iir.nrf^l™^
SEDIMENTATION TANK
MICROFILTRATION SOLVENT
UNIT PURIFICATION
STATION
CLEAN SOLVENT
STORAGE TANK
Solvent Extraction Treatment System
Page 158
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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-94/52 la) 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, ODD, 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 will begin in early 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
ODD, 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Alan Cash
Terra-Kleen Response Group, Inc.
3970 B Sorrento Valley Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92121
619-558-8762
Fax: 619-558-8759
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 159
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
(SVOC) 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
CARBON CANISTERS
TO
ATMOSPHERE
DUAL VACUUM
EXTRACTION WELLS
In Situ Dual Vacuum Extraction Process
Page 160
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The vacuum extraction technology may treat soils
containing virtually any VOC. It has removed
over 40 types of chemicals from soils and
ground-water, 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,
1,300 pounds of VOCs, 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:
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
Esteban Garcia
Corporation Marketing Manager
Terra Vac
17821 Mitchell Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614-6003
714-252-8900
Fax: 714-252-8901
E-mail: esteban@terravac.com
Home page: www.terravac.com
Bologies.
Page 161
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 refrac-
tory-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 TOP 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.
Solids-Free
Purge Water
to Treatment
or Recycle
Texaco Gasification Process
Page 162
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
The TOP 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 TOP 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 TOP 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 TOP
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 TOP 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 TOP 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Tim Leininger
Montebello Technology Center
Texaco Global Gas & Power
329 N. Durfee Avenue
S. El Monte, CA 91733
562-699-0948
Fax: 562-699-7408
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 163
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 inno-
vative 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-trichloroethane, 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
Cl
xc = cx
Cl/ \
TCE
,ci
H
UV
CO2+ HCI
UV Photolysis of TCE
Page 102
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
requirements during the field test. Test results are
discussed below. The Final Report
(EPA/540/R-93/516), the Summary 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 intermediates.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Steve McAdams
Thermatrix, Inc.
101 Metro Drive, Suite 248
San Jose, CA 95110
408-453-0490
Fax: 408-453-0492
TCE PHOTOLYSIS FIELD TEST RESULTS
Freq. No. of
fHz) Chambers
30
30
30
30
15
15
5
5
1
1
4
4
4
2
4
2
4
2
4
2
Flow
fcfm)
103
97
95
106
97
103
95
103
106
103
Res.
Time
fsec)
9.6
10.1
10.4
4.6
10.1
4.8
10.4
4.8
9.3
4.8
TCE
Input
fppmv)
78.4
108.5
98.3
91.7
106.8
101.3
104.9
101.4
101.7
98.5
TCE
Output
fppmv)
dl
dl
dl
0.07
dl
dl
dl
dl
0.85
13.23
TCE
Destruction
{%)
>99.99
>99.99
>99.99
99.92
>99.99
>99.99
>99.99
>99.9
99.16
86.57
DCC
Yield
fppmv)
nd
21.3
25.6
15.9
22.8
12.6
8.7
9.4
12.5
6.8
DCAC
Yield
fppmv)
20.2
26.5
34
49.2
nd
65.3
75.7
76.3
83.2
84.9
Chlorine
Balance
fMole%)
78.8
106.2
114.5
91.1
nd
86.2
90.0
88.8
90.3
93.3
Notes: Hz = Hertz
cfm = cubic feet per minute
sec = seconds
ppmv = parts per million volume
dl = detection limit
nd = not detected
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 103
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
TORONTO HARBOUR COMMISSION
(Soil Recycling)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Toronto Harbour 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
Soil Washing Plant (Metal Extraction Screwtubes in Foreground
and Bioslurry Reactors in Background)
Page 164
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
naturally in the soils. The treated soil is
dewatered using hydrocyclones and returned to
the site from which it was excavated.
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 Project 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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 165
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
Soil Particle
Sizing
.
1
Particle
Screening
'
'
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
w
Solvent Purified
to Remove
Any Soil Fines
T
Solvent
Recovered from
Non-PCB Soil )
Water
T
Acid
Excess Alkali
in Non-PCB Soil
is Neutralized
Acidified Water
* Added to Soil
PCB Soil Detoxification Process
Page 104
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 preheat and dry
the contaminated soil, followed by PCB
destruction. The pilot process would be capable
of processing 1 ton per hour initially. Additional
modules could be added to increase 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@epamail.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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 105
-------
Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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-
Center Pivot spray Irrigation System
Page 170
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
producing impact pads for improved volatilization
efficiency.
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.
STATUS:
The Center Pivot Spray Irrigation system was
accepted into the SITE Demonstration Program in
late 1995. Under a University of Nebraska proj ect
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 Subsite 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 the Innovative Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/R-09/502).
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.
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 777
-------
Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON RESEARCH INSTITUTE
(Photothermal Detoxification Unit)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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 sus-
pended particulates from the treated process
stream. The PDU shown in the figure below is
also equipped with built-in sampling
Thermally Insulated
Reactor Vessel
Mounting
Flange
Gas Inlet
Sampling Ports (4)
External UV Lamp
Assemblies (3)
Exhaust
Sampling Ports (4)
Support/Transportation
Pallet
Photothermal Detoxification Unit (PDU)
Page 106
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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
aliphalic chlorinated solvents, as well as
brominated and nitrous wastes found in soil,
sludges, and aqueous streams. The PDU can be
incorporated with 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 tetrachlorodibenzodioxin,
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:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
513-569-7861
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Barry Dellinger or John Graham
Environmental Sciences and
Engineering Group
University of Dayton Research Institute
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-0132
513-229-2846
Fax: 513-229-2503
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 107
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
' r* -.
*^&&i*y&^
_[™7J_^
Overview of Site Lysimeters
Page 108
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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
Emerging Technology Program in March 1990.
Studies under the Emerging Technology Program
are complete. A peer-reviewed journal 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Frank Caruccio
Department of Geological Sciences
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208
803-777-4512
Fax: 803-777-6610
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 109
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 con-
centrated 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 regen-
erating 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.
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.
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Water
Regeneration
"Polish"
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Effluent to Discharge
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Adsorptive Filtration Treatment System
Page 110
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
Completed Project
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 particulate 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.
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 777
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
(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 adsorptionunit
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
Page 166
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February 1999
Completed Project
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:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 167
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
U.S. FILTER/WTS ULTROX
(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 (resistant
to biological 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
Decompozon™ unit also destroys volatile organic
compounds (VOC) stripped off in the reactor.
Treated Off-Gas
Decompozon™
Unit
Ozone
Generator
Compressed
Air
Treated
Effluent
ULTROX®
UV/Oxidation Reactor
Dryer
Groundwater
Hydrogen Peroxide
from Feed Tank
UV Radiation and Oxidation System (Isometric View)
Page 168
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February 1999
Completed Project
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, pentachlorophenol,
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, trichloroethene,
1,1-dichloroethane, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dr. Richard Woodling
U.S. Filter
2805 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-588-2609
Fax: 408-567-0396
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 169
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
UV TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(formerly ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, INC.)
(PhotoCAT™ Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The PhotoCAT™ process photochemically
oxidizes organic compounds in wastewater using
hydrogen peroxide, a chemical oxidant, ultraviolet
(UV) radiation, and a photocatalyst. The photo-
chemical 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 predomi-
nantly 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 effectively. 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. The overall reaction is as
follows:
[2a + 0.5(b - 1)]H2O2 J»
aCO2 + [2a + (b- 1)]H2O
HX
where CaHbX represents a halogenated
contaminant in the aqueous phase. 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 PhotoCAT™ 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 PhotoCAT™ process under the
SITE Emerging Technology Program are
complete, and the technology has been invited to
participate in the SITE Demonstration Program.
The Emerging Technology Report
(EPA/540/SR-92/080), Emerging Technology
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 II and
Phase I awards.
Page 112
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
Representative results from recent trials using the
PhotoCAT™ 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.
A cost-competitive PhotoCAT™ system can be
designed and built to treat industrial wastewater
with contaminant levels of 10 to 10,000 ppm.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Contaminant"
Dose (kW-hr/
gmole/decade)"
Chlorobenzene 7
Trichloroethene 5
Trichloroethane [500] 1
Tetrachlproethene 6
1.1,1-Trichloroethane 33
1,1,1 -Trichloroethene [1,000] 7
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, & xylene 5
Reactive Black Dye 5 26
Direct Yellow Dye 106 103
Direct Red Dye 83 31
Reactive Blue Dye 19 50
l-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
kilowatt-hour per gram-mole per decade
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 CONTACTS:
James Porter or John Roll
UV Technologies, Inc.
P.O. Box410185or410186
East Cambridge, MA 02141-0002
617-666-5500
Fax: 617-666-5802
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.
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 113
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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®, WASTECH's
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.
SUPERSET*
HIGH SHEAR
MIXER
WASTE MATERIAL SIZING WASTE
STOCKPILE
CEMENT
PUMP PROCESSED
MATERIAL TO
EXCAVATION
PROCESSED
MATERIALS
PLACED TO
SPECIFICATIONS
POZZOLANS
WASTECH Solidification and Stabilization Process
Page 172
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
The technology was accepted into the SITE EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Demonstration Program in spring 1989. A field Terrence Lyons
demonstration at Robins Air Force Base in U.S. EPA
Warner Robins, Georgia was completed in August National Risk Management Research
1991. WASTECH subsequently conducted a Laboratory
bench-scale study in 1992 under glovebox 26 West Martin Luther King Drive
conditions to develop a detailed mass balance of Cincinnati, OH 45268
volatile organic compounds. The Innovative 513-569-7589
Technology Evaluation Report is available from Fax: 513-569-7676
EPA. The technology is being commercially
applied to treat hazardous wastes contaminated
with various organics, inorganics, and mixed
wastes.
This technology is no longer available from the
vendor. For further information about the
process, contact the EPA Project Manager.
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 173
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
WESTERN PRODUCT RECOVERY GROUP, INC.
(Coordinate, Chemical Bonding, and Adsorption Process)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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
OO O
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 pyro-
lyzed 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.
To Stack
Recycled Scrub
Solution
Clay
Soils/
Sludges/
Sediments
Residual
Product
Coordinate, Chemical Bonding, and Adsorption (CCBA) Process
Page 114
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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. 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 will be available from EPA in early 1997.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Donald Kelly
Western Product Recovery Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 79728
Houston, TX 77279
713-533-9321
Fax: 713-533-9434
Bert Elkins
Western Product Recovery Group, Inc.
10626 Cerveza Drive
Escondido, CA 92026
619-749-8856
Fax: 619-749-8856
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 115
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 groundwatercaptured by the
influent screen section, and (2) recirculated
groundwater. This
Activated Carbon Filter
[Jlower
Ambient Air
Monitoring Wells
Off Air
Working GW Level yRestingGW
Stripping Zone
Saturated
Zone
UVB Standard Circulation
Page 176
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 microorganisms.
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-95/005) will be available from
EPAin the fall of 1999.
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 ((Jg/L), with
only one event above 5 (Jg/L. The inlet TCE
concentration averaged 40 (jg/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 concen-trations
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 777
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ROY F. WESTON, INC.
(Low Temperature Thermal Treatment System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Roy F. Weston, Inc. (Western), 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
Low Temperature Thermal Treatment (LT3®) System
Page 174
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
for soil conditioning, and only the organic phases
are disposed of off site.
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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Mike Cosmos
Roy F. Weston, Inc.
1400 Weston Way
West Chester, PA 19380-1499
610-701-7423
Fax: 610-701-5035
E-mail: cosmosm@mail.rfweston.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 175
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
waste waters 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
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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/R93/506) 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 (,ug/L);
semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) ranging
from 5,300 to 24,000 Mg/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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 179
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
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.
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 inches
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 ratio to
Contaminated
Groundwater
& Soil Vapor
Ground
Surface.
2-PHASE™
EXTRACTION
Well
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
Page 180
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
STATUS:
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:
Results from the demonstration are detailed below:
• 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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ron Hess, Xerox Corporation
800 Phillips Road
Building 304-13S
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 181
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
Page 182
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS:
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.
DEMONSTRATION RESULTS:
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
905-639-6320
Fax: 905-639-1812
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 183
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 waste water 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, or ultrafilter. The ultrafilter
separates treated water from biological solids and
soluble materials with higher molecular weights,
in c 1 u d i ng 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
Page 184
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
• 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)
are available from EPA. The Innovative
Technology Evaluation Report is 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 MMA 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Chris Lipski
ZENON Environmental Inc.
845 Harrington Court
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
L7N 3P3
905-639-6320
Fax:905-639-1812
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 185
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
C-THRU TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
(Formerly SCITEC 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
Page 24
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets. stephen@epamail .epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Steve Price
C-Thru Technologies Corporation
415 North Quay
Kennewick,WA 99336
800-466-5323
509-783-9850
Fax: 509-735-9696
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 25
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 elec-
trode. 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
Page 26
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
STATUS:
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-95/5 18) 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:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
Telephone No.: 702-789-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jack Mahon
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 27
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 compounds. This
AirSentry Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer
Page 28
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 technologoy, contact the
EPA, 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
Telephone No.: 919-541-3158
Fax: 919-541-3527
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 29
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 insitu screening
sensor used in conjunction with Cone opentration
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
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
Page 30
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 fluorescence. 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 APPLICABILITY:
™ system is designed to
contaminant materials
The Fugro ROST
qualitatively detect
containing PAH constituents, including, but not
limited to gasoline, diesel fuel, crude oil, jet fuel,
heating oil, coal tar, kerosene, lubricating oils,
and creosote.
STATUS:
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 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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2432
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Andrew Taer
Fugro Geosciences, Inc.
6105 Rookin
Houston, TX 77042
Telephone No.: 713-778-5580
Fax: 713-778-5501
E-mail: ataer@fugro.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 31
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
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
A.
D
D.
A. Driving the sealed Sampler
B. Removing the stop pin
C. Collecting a sample
D. Recovering the sample liner
Page 32
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
contaminatedzones 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
Telephone No.: (702)798-2232
Fax No.: (702) 798-2261
E-mail: billets. stephen@epamail .epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Wesley McCall, Geologist
or Tom Omli, Technical Services
Geoprobe Systems
601 North Broadway
Salina, KS 67401
Telephone No.: (800) 436-7762
Fax No.: (785)825-2097
E-mail: geoprobe@midusa.net
Internet: www.geoprobesystems.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 33
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 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 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 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.
Stringpot
Measures
Depth
Percussion
Probing
Machine
Data Acquisition System
with Real-Time Display of
Conductivity Versus Depth
Rack System for
Probe Rod With
Continuous Cable
Sensing Probe
Measures
Conductivity
Schematic Diagram of the Geoprobe Soil Conductivity Sensor
Page 34
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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:
Steve Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
Colin Christy
Troy Schmidt
Geoprobe Systems
601 North Broadway Boulevard
Salina, KS 67401
Telephone No.: 785-825-1842
Fax: 785-825-2097
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 35
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
Page 36
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
John Brokenshire
Graseby Ionics, Ltd.
Analytical Division
Park Avenue, Bushey
Watford, Hertfordshire
WD2 2BW
England
Telephone No.: 011-44-1923-816166
Martin J. Cohen
PCP, Inc.
2155 Indian Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33409-3287
Telephone No.: 561-683-0507
Fax:561-683-0507 (call first)
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 37
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 a broad 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
Page 38
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
• 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 separatory
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).
STATUS:
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:
Eric Koglin
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
Telephone No.: 702-798-2432
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
John Hanby
Hanby Environmental Laboratory
Procedures, Inc.
501 Sandy Point Road
Wimberley, TX 78676
Telephone No.: 512-847-1212
Fax:512-847-1454
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 39
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 HP Micro kGC oneof the fastest
commercially available gas chromatographs.
P200 Gas Analyzer
Page 40
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
The HP portable gas analyzer houses an internal
sealed lead acid battery and small refillable carrier
gas cylinder providing 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
Telephone No.: 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 Cernterville Road
Wilmington, DE 19707
302-633-8487
Fax: 302-993-5935
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 41
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
HNU SYSTEMS, INC.
(HNU GC 31 ID 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
HNU GC 31 ID Portable Gas Chromatograph
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 poly chlorinated 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:
Richard Berkley
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Telephone No.: 919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jack Driscoll
FINU Systems, Inc.
160 Charlemont Street
Newton, MA 02161-9987
Telephone No.: 800-724-6690
Telephone No.: 617-964-6690
Fax: 617-558-0056
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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.
'y
jj
Source Excited Fluorescence Analyzer-Portable (SEFA-P) XRF Analyzer
Page 42
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February 1999
Completed Project
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:
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jack Driscoll
HNU Systems, Inc.
160 Charlemont Street
Newton, MA 02161-9987
Telephone No.: 800-724-6690
Telephone No.: 617-964-6690
Fax: 617-558-0056
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
measure BTX in water.
is designed to
Equate® Immunoassay Kit
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Richard Lankow
Idetek, Inc.
1245 Ream wood Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Telephone No.: 408-752-1353
Fax: 408-745-0243
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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:
Stephen Billets
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets.stephen@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
James Pasmore
Metorex, Inc.
1900 N.E. Division Street, Suite 204
Bend, OR 97701
Telephone No.: 800-229-9209
Telephone No.: 541-385-6748
Fax:541-385-6750
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 49
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
Page 50
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: 919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Norman Davis
Microsensor Systems, Incorporated
62 Corporate Court
Bowling Green, KY 42103
Telephone No.: 502-745-0099
Fax: 502-745-0095
E-mail: ndavis(3>msi.sawtek.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
NITON CORPORATION
(XL Spectrum Analyzer)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
NITON Corporation (Niton) manufactures and
services the XL Spectrum Analyzer, the XL-309
Lead Detector, the 700Series multi-element
analyzers, and the SOOSeries 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 700Series 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 (10 millicurie)
that provides the excitation energy that produces
characteristic fluorescent X-rays from a sample
The 700Series can be equipped with a cadmium-
109 source, americium-241 source, or both.
Future releases will also provide an iron-55 source
or curium-244 source. All XL-309 instruments
can be upgraded to any 700Series instrument at
any time. The SOOSeries alloy analyzers are
designed for rapid sorting and 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 3000 readings with
spectra, and (4) a back-lit graphic liquid crystal
display.
XL Spectrum Analyzer
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The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
The instrument self-calibrates its energy scale and
uses a Compton backscatter calibration technique
for soil testing. Alloy analysis is performed using
fundamental parameters. The backscatter
calibration compensates for X-ray absorption in
the soil matrix. The instrument is equipped with
a removable battery pack 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 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
battery packs and 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. 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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Don Sackett, Ph.D.
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
NITON Corporation
74 Loomis Street
P.O. Box 368
Bedford, MA 01730-0368
Telephone No.: 781-275-9275
Fax: 781-275-1917
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 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.
Refrigeration Supply and
Return Manifolds
Membrane Boot
New Spray-Applied Membrane
Existing Crushed
Limestone Base
Existing Clay Soils
and Shale Bedrock
Cryogenic Barrier Insulation Plan
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1999
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 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 system's effectiveness was
evaluated through the performance of a
groundwater dye tracing investigation. The
demonstration was conducted in two phases.
Phase one included a background study that was
conducted to determine the presence of natural
fluorescence and existing dyes in groundwater at
the site in order to select a nondetectable dye for
use during the dye tracing investigation.
During phase two, the selected dye, Acid Red No.
92, was injected into a standpipe located within
the confines of the frozen barrier. Water samples
and charcoal packets were then collected at
predetermined sampling points outside the barrier
wall to determine the presence or absence of dye
in groundwater, springs, or seeps. The evaluation
of the technology under the SITE Program was
completed in July 1998. Preliminary results from
the evaluation will be available in early 1999.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ed Yarmak
Arctic Foundations, Inc.
5621 Arctic Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99518
907-562-2741
Fax: 907-562-0153
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 191
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
Oil and
Water
Separator
Water/
Surfactant
NAPL
SEAR Technology
Page 192
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1999
the 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. The technology is
scheduled for demonstration at the end of November
1998 at the Pearl Harbor demonstration site in Oahu,
Hawaii.
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:
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 193
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
Page 120
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
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 Acar
President
Electrokinetics, Inc.
11552 Cedar Park Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
504-753-8004
Fax: 504-753-0028
E-mail: ekinc@pipeline.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 121
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
Page 122
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The RTO/RPTO processes are specifically
applicable to treatment of air streams laden with
volatile ClHCs, such as dichloromethane (DCM),
methyl chloride, dichloroethane (DCA),
trichloroethane (TCA), trichloroethylene (TCE),
dichloroethylene (DCE), and chloroform.
These processes provide cost-effective, on-site
conversion/dechlorination of ClHCs into
environmentally acceptable products. They may
be operated as a stand-alone or as an add-on to a
remediation train. Potential commercial
applications include the following:
• Direct treatment of air streams contaminated
with hazardous waste ClHCs discharged from
soil vapor extraction (SVE) operations
• Direct treatment of air streams containing
volatile organic compounds (VOC) vented from
industrial hoods and stacks
• On-site treatment of ClHCs and VOCs released
by thermal desorption from contaminated soils
• On-site treatment of groundwater and surface
water contaminated with VOCs and ClHCs in
conjunction with air-stripping/air-sparging
operations
• Regeneration of activated carbon canisters
loaded with ClHCs
ENERGIA's innovative gas-phase photo-
processes are applicable to: air, water, and soil.
They can be used alone or in conjunction with
other prospective technologies such as, SVE,
thermal desorption, air sparging, and air stripping.
In essence, they provide the final stage for
environmentally safe destruction of ClHCs or
VOCs present in various discharge streams.
These compounds are often released to the
atmosphere without any treatment.
Laboratory-scale tests were completed on
representative ClHCs: two saturated
contaminants (DCA and TCA) and two
unsaturated compounds (DCA and TCE).
Further tests of TCE, DCE, and TCA were
conducted on a prototype system. Percent
conversion, percent dechlorination, and
concentration of parent contaminants and products
were determined as a function of reaction time for
various compositions at several temperatures.
Both processes have exhibited greater than 99
percent conversion/dechlorination with high
selectivity towards salable hydrocarbon products
(methane and ethane). The RPTO process has
always outperformed the RTP one; however, its
advantage seemed to diminish with increasing
temperature.
A cost analysis based on experimental data was
also performed. TCE was used as a representative
contaminant. An extremely competitive cost was
obtained. For example, the cost of treatment of
1,000 cubic feet of air contaminated with 10 and
1,000 parts per million of TCE is $0.13 and $0.33,
respectively.
A pilot-scale field demonstration is expected to
take place in 1999. After completion of the field
demonstration, these processes will be available
for commercialization.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Moshe Lavid
ENERGIA, Inc.
P.O. Box 470
Princeton, NJ 08542-470
609-799-7970
Fax:609-799-0312
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 123
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
ENVIROMETAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(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.
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 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
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.
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Schematic of the Reactive Barrier Technology
Page 194
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
1999
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1996. The
demonstration of the technology is currently in
progress at the Rocky Flats Environmental
Technology Site in Golden, Colorado. The
technology's effectiveness will be 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. Preliminary
results from the evaluation will be available in
mid to late 1999.
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
TECHNOLOGY CONTACT
John Vogan
Envirometal Technologies Incorporated
42 Arrow Road
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
N1K1S6
519-824-0432
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 195
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
When 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 has 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 is
scheduled for U.S. demonstration under the SITE
program during September and October 1998 at
the Pearl Harbor demonstration site in Oahu,
Hawaii.
Page 196
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
1999
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 197
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 controlled. 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
options. The technology can be adapted for in
situ flooding or modified to flood a waste pile in
aheap-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.
Page 124
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1994.
Studies under the Emerging Technology Program
will evaluate how effectively the AMR
technology removes metals from soil.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax: 513-569-7620
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 125
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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
demonstrations of the oxygen
microbubble technology in conjunction with the
U.S. EPA and the U.S. Armstrong Laboratories.
Oygen microbubble technology (see figure elow)
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.
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Oxygen Microbubble In Situ Bioremediation
Page 126
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
-------
February 1999
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.
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
injection 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
will be used to determine the maximum rate of
foam injection while maintaining foam stability.
Oxygen will be used as the gas for microbubble
production. The rentention of oxygen
microbubbles will be 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
423-690-32llext. 2803
Fax: 423-694-9573
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 127
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
i\ /| Inject Gas to
N/ I > Subsurfacevli
Injection Wells
^ Air Flow Check Valve
Air Flow Meter and Valve
Pressure Gauge/Switch
\LEL/ Explosimeter
Enhanced Bioremediation Technology
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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
ITT NIGHT VISION PROJECT MANAGER:
Rosann Kryczkowski
Manager, Environmental, Health & Safety
ITT Night Vision
7635 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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 199
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 (VOC) (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, 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
AIR2000
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1999
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 a
broad 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.
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. Preliminary results show that the system
is operating at 99.99% 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.
The AIR 2000 Process was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration program in 1998, with the
objective of demonstrating the performance of the
system at the Superfund site in Rhode Island.
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
TECHNOLOGY LICENSEE CONTACT:
Dr. Bill de Waal
Trojan Technologies, Inc.
3020 Gore Road
London, Ontario N5V-4T7
CANADA
519-457-3400
Fax: 519-457-3030
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 201
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
LASAGNA™ PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
(Lasagna™ In Situ Soil Remediation)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The Lasagna™ process, so named because of its
treatment layers, combines electrokinetics 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 (Figure 1) or horizontally (Figure 2).
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. The electrodes
create an electric field which moves contaminants
in soil pore fluids into or through the treatment
layers. In the vertical configuration, rods that are
steel or granular graphite and iron filings may 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-valent,
metal-enhanced, reductive dechlorination) or
granular activated carbon (for biodegradation by
methanotrophic microorganisms). The Lasagna™
process can remove contaminants from soil using
the following combination:
• Creating treatment zones in close
proximity to one another throughout
o
Ground Surface
! lectrooematfc Liquid F
Degradation
Zone
U
Degradation
Zone
U
APPLIED ELECTRICAL POTENTIAL
Note: Electroosmotic flow is reversed upon switching electrical polarity.
Vertical Configuration
of the Lasagna™ Process
the contaminated soil region, and
converting them into sorption/degradation
zones by introducing sorbents, catalytic
agents, microbes, oxidants, or buffers
Using electrokinetics to transport
contaminants from the soil into the
treatment zones for
sorption/degradation
• Reversing the direction of transport, if
necessary, by switching electrical
polarity
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:
Conceptually, the Lasagna™ process is designed
to treat organic and inorganic contaminants and
mixed wastes in groundwater and soil. To date,
the p
contaminants in low permeability soils.
Granular
Electrode
Horizontal Configuration
of the Lasagna™ Process
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1999
STATUS:
The Lasagna™ process (vertical configuration)
was accepted into the SITE Demonstration
Program in 1995. Under the SITE Program, with
significant funding from the U.S. Department of
Energy (DOE), the Lasagna™ process was tested
for 120 days in May 1995 on soil contaminated
with trichloroethene (TCE) at DOE's Paducah
Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in Kentucky.
One of the key objectives of this test was to
successfully demonstrate the coupling of
electroosmotic flushing of TCE from the clay soil
while removing the TCE from the pore water by
in situ adsorption. Steel panels were used as
electrodes and granular activated carbon (GAC)
served as treatment layers in a vertical
configuration.
Sampling and analysis of the GAC at the end of
the demonstration revealed a substantial GAC
amount of TCE. Soil samples collected before and
after the demonstration indicated a 98 percent
removal of TCE from tight clay soil, with some
samples showing greater than 99 percent removal.
TCE soil levels were reduced from the 100 parts
per million (ppm) range to an average
concentration of 1 ppm.
A second test of the Lasagna™ process in a
vertical configuration was started in August 1996
at DOE's PGDP to treat in situ TCE-contaminated
soil to 45 feet below ground surface. A
sheetpiling method was utilized with hollow
mandrels for installing electrodes (granular
mixture of coke and iron filings) and treatment
zones (iron filings/clay slurry) in thin layers (less
than 2 inches thick) through stiff clay soil without
generating solid waste. Complications
encountered during the operation included
contamination levels significantly higherthan
anticipated and complex hydrogeology in the
subsurface. The overall TCE removal efficiency
obtained was in the range of 95 percent for 1 pore
volume of water flow to over 99 percent for 2.6
pore volumes between the treatment zones. There
are strong indications that some of the TCE was
transported and degraded in the dense non-
aqueous phase liquid
form. Based on the success of this test, DOE has
recommended that the Lasagna™ process be used
to clean up the rest of this contaminated location
at PGDP.
EPA and the University of Cincinnati have
installed horizontal configuration cells at
Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base (ANGB)
near Columbus, Ohio. Support facilities are being
installed at Offutt Air Force Base (AFB) near
Omaha, Nebraska. Horizontal configuration cells
will be installed at Offutt AFB in spring 1997
with funding support from the U.S. Air Force.
TCE is the target contaminant at both
Rickenbacker ANGB and Offutt AFB.
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
513-569-7775 or 513-569-7469
Fax:513-569-7676
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
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
SaHo
Monsanto Company
800 N. Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63167
314-694-5179
Fax:314-694-1531
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 203
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 ground-water (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 a
Injection
Blower
Vapor Treatment
Vacuum
Blower
Upper Recharge
Screen
VOC Vapors
Stripped
Water
Groundwater
Circulation
Zone
Lower Intake
Screen
VOC-Contaminated
Water
Schematic Diagram of the NoVOCs™ Technology
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1999
rising 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 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 and
trichloroethene. 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 is underway at Naval Air Station
North Island in San Diego, California.
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 205
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
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1999
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Bob Henderson
Matrix Photocatalytic Inc.
22 Pegler Street
London, Ontario, Canada N5Z 2B5
519-660-8669
Fax:519-660-8525
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 207
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 attached
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 poro-
sity.
Pressure Gauge
Air Pump
Flow
Control
Rotameter
Pressure Gauge
3-Way Ball
Valve
Bentonite Seal
Stainless Steel Air Injection Probe
1cm ID
2cmOD
. Screened
Section
Bioventing System
Page 208
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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1999
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. The project will be
completed in early 1999.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 209
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
.-
** •^'"•- ...fc' , •*
,,;
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
Phytoremediation of Surface Soil
Phytoremediation of the Saturated Zone
Page 210
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1999
plots are intensively cultivated. Plant shoots are
cut during the growing season to maintain
vegetative, as opposed to 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. This
demonstration will assess the ability of higher
plants to reduce the concentration of petroleum
hydrocarbons in near-surface soils, and to modify
the groundwater gradient and reduce petroleum
hydrocarbons in the saturated zone. Alfalfa and
fescue plantings will be evaluated for soil
remediation, while poplar and juniper trees will be
investigated for their ability to treat the saturated
groundwater zone.
The primary objectives of the demonstration are
to determine whether (1) total petroleum
hydrocarbon concentrations in the soil in plots
planted with alfalfa and fescue will be reduced by
30 percent annually, and (2) an average annual 3-
inch change in the groundwater elevation can be
attributed to the trees. The demonstration
continued through the 1998 growing season, with
reports available in 1999.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ari Ferro
Phytokinetics, Inc.
1770 North Research Parkway
Suite 110
North Logan, UT 84341-1941
801-750-0985
801-755-0891
Fax: 801-750-6296
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 211
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
Phytoextraction
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1999
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:
• 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, and two crops
were planted and harvested in late summer 1998.
Phytotech has also conducted several successful
field trials of its phytoextraction technology at
other contaminated sites in the U.S. and abroad.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Michael Blaylock (ext. 13) or
Eric Muhr (ext. 32)
Phytotech
One Deer Park Drive, Suite I
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
732-438-0900
Fax: 732-438-1209
E-Mail: soilrx@aol.com or
ericmuhr@mars. superlink.net
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 213
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
For this reason, native bacteria isolates are
extracted from the ore and tested for cyanide
detoxification potential as individual species.
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.
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.
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-10-foot column in the field or in the
laboratory. The column simulates leach pile
TTUHI
TCN, WAD CN,
metals
Cyanide-leached spent ore
Pregnant pond
Carbon circuit
(metal stripping)
Staged bacteria
culture
Au,Ag
Spent Ore Bioremediation Process
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1999
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
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 leachable 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
significant biomineralization and reduction of
leachable 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. A site
located in Battle Mountain, Nevada has been
selected for the demonstration. Preliminary
treatability tests have been completed. In
addition, PSI has completed two full-scale
cyanide detoxification projects.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Leslie Thompson
Pintail Systems, Inc.
11801 East 33rd Avenue, Suite C
Aurora, CO 80010
303-367-8443
Fax: 303-364-2120
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 215
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
PINTAIL SYSTEMS, INC.
(Biomineralization of Metals)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Pintail Systems, Inc. (PSI), has evaluated the use
of bioremediation processes for in situ
biomineralization of heavy metals in mine wastes.
Biomineralization processes are part of a natural
cycle in which minerals are continuously formed,
transformed, and degraded. In situ
biomineralization capitalizes on the role that
microorganisms play in natural ore formation and
involves accelerating the biological reactions to
remediate waste.
During biomineralization, microorganisms initiate
a complex series of reactions. Effective metal
removal mechanisms are influenced by
biologically catalyzed remineralization reactions.
PSI's research indicates that biomineralization
begins when microorganisms attach to the ore's
surface, forming a "bioslime" layer. Soluble
metals then bind to cell walls and extracellular
products. Next, metal hydroxides, oxides, and
carbonates precipitate into the bioslime layer as
amorphous mineral precursors, which provide a
template for further mineralization as they
stabilize.
A microbial population for biomineralization may
be used in either batch or continuous treatment
mode for in situ bioremediation. In batch mode,
bacteria and nutrient solutions may be applied
directly to contaminated soil, sediments, or
2.5 million ton Spent Ore Cyanide Field Detox
Metals analysis before and after application of bacteria treatment solutions
to the heap to degrade cyanide. Analysis of heap leachate solutions.
Results in mg/L
0.978
| Before treatment
^^H After treatment
Cadmium Chromium Selenium
Iron
Results
10
8
6
4
2
0
n mg/L
Cof
0.334
^^H
>per
2.07
0.005
[ I Befor
^H After
0.488
I 1 0.054
3 treatment
reatment
4.16
0.007
Mercury Silver Zinc
Biomineralization of Metals
Page 130
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
aqueous solutions to catalyze bioaccumulation
and biomineralization. For continuous treatment,
microorganisms may be immobilized in a porous
matrix or fixed film reactor to remove metals
from aqueous solutions.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The PSI biomineralization process is designed to
treat solids (soils, sludges, and sediments) that
contain heavy metals or organics. It can also be
applied to acid rock drainage that occurs naturally
or that results from mining or energy production
operations. The process can be applied at battery
waste sites, urban lead sites, mines, and metal
production and fabrication sites.
The PSI technology was accepted into the
Emerging Technology Program in 1995. Under
the Emerging Technology Program, PSI intends to
complete development of its biomineralization
process, resulting in a field-ready in situ
biomineralization technology. PSI will conduct
batch and continuous treatment tests at its
laboratory and pilot plant in Aurora, Colorado,
using soils, ore, sludges, and tailings from several
Superfund sites.
PSI has developed and applied full-scale
detoxification processes for spent ore at several
mines in the western United States. In addition to
cyanide detoxification, metals have been removed
or remineralized during treatment at the mines.
PSI has also demonstrated biomineralization of
metals in laboratory- and pilot-scale tests for
mining industry clients at Idaho, Nevada, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Mexico, and Canada,
including the Summitville Mine Superfund site in
Colorado. The results of using biomineralization
is shown in the figure on the previous page.
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:
Leslie Thompson
Pintail Systems, Inc.
11801 E. 33rd Avenue, Suite C
Aurora, CO 80010
303-367-8443
Fax: 303-364-2120
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 131
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 technique 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,
VACUUM PUMP
STEAM TO
INJECTION
WELLS
CLAY
STEAM SAND
A^YXI
CLAY
^
TT-
CLAY
Z|v SAND ST6AM
CLAY
*• WATER
NAPL
STEAM TO
INJECTION
WELLS
In Situ Thermal Extraction Process
Page 216
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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1999
condensers, heat exchangers, separation
equipment, vacuum pumps, and vapor emission
control equipment.
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.
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 (nig/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
1999. 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@epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 217
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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. PTI's 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 ifthe
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
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
@ 6 cfm
Cleaned
UV Reactor
bnoiionoior°
olgblglbL
Treated Air &
HCI @ 6 cfm
6 cfm Acid
Gas Scrubber
Simplified Process Flow Diagram
of Photolytic Destruction
Page 218
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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1999
cement manufacturing. The PTI process is simple
in design and easy to operate. The sy stem is
designed to run continuously, 24-hours per day.
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 @ epamail.epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Mike Swan
Process Technologies Incorportated
P.O. Box 476
Boise, ID 83701-0476
208-385-0900 ext. 223
Fax: 208-385-0994
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 219
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 contaminant 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.
Waste
Treatment
Area
Conveyor
Waste
Storage
LIA
1-10 MeV
Electron
Beam
X-Ray
Converter
(Ta)
X-rays
Disposal
X-Ray Treatment Process
Page 132
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
X-rays can treat contaminated soil on a conveyor
or contained in disposal barrels. Because X-rays
penetrate about 20 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
tetrachloride, chloroform, and polychlorinated
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Vernon Bailey
Pulse Sciences, Inc.
600 McCormick Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
510-632-5100
Fax: 510-632-5300
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 133
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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
heater. 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 particles,
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)
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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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
This technology removes the following
contaminants from soil, sludge, and sediment:
volatile and semivolatile organics, including
polychlorinated biphenyls (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.
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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 leachable
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
attachthe 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 possess 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
adjusteddepending on specific site requirements,
and the bricks have successfully passed various
tests designed to measure their long-term
durability.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The ENVIROBOND™ process does 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 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
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shown that metals concentrations in leachate from
treated media do 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 metals such as aluminum,
magnesium, calcium, and manganese. These
metals may 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 tons
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 mixed 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 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 contains lead in concentrations ranging from
100 ppm to 80,000 ppm. The objective of the
demonstration was to determine if the
ENVIROBOND™ process can reduce the
bioavailability of lead in the soil by 25 percent.
Results of the demonstration will be available in
early 1999.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
James M. Barthel
Director of Business Development
Rocky Mountain Remediation Services, L.L.C.
1819 Denver West Drive, Building 26, Suite
200
Golden, CO 80401
303-215-6620
Fax: 303-215-6720
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES
(In Situ Electrokinetic Extraction System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Electrokinetic remediation has been used
successfully 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. SandiaNational 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 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
Pressure
Pressure
Relief
Valve
Drive
^Electrode
Schematic Diagram of the In Situ Electrokinetic Extraction System
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adds water to, and extracts water from, the
electrodes. Water is supplied to the electrode
from a supply solution tank at the 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 maintain 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:
SNL has developed its electrokinetic extraction
system to treat anionic heavy 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.
The demonstration verified the technology's
capability of removing anionic contaminants from
vadose zone soil through passive operation. Over
600 grams of hexavalent chromium were removed
by the technology during the demonstration,
equaling out to about 8 milligrams of chromium
removed per kilowatt hour. Reports on the
demonstration are in final preparation and should
be available from EPA in early 1999.
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 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 ReyNE
Albuquerque, NM 87122
505-856-3311
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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.
Atypical MAG*SEPSMtreatment 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*SEPSM
particles 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
)
r
i
Particle
Regeneration
Process
QtrAom
Mixing
Zone
1 ,
Particle
Reclaim
Tank
i
,
Magnetic
Collector
Treated
Water
Schematic Diagram of the Mag*SEPSM Treatment System
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1999
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: 513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Steve Weldon
Selentec Environmental Technologies, Inc.
8601 Dunwoody Place, Suite 302
Atlanta, GA 30350-2509
770-640-7059
Fax: 770-640-9305
E-Mail: info@selentec.com
Home Page: www.selentec.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
SEVENSON ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, 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 leachable 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 5 00-ton -
per-day ex situ unit.
500-Ton-Per-Day MAECTITE®
Processing System
Chemical treatment by the MAECTITE® process
converts leachable 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 unconfined
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
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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 leachable 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:
Jack Hubbard
U.S. EPA
National Risk Management Research
Laboratory
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45268
513-569-7507
Fax:513-569-7620
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Charles McPheeters
Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc.
9425 Calumet Avenue, Suite 101
Munster, IN 46321
219-836-0116
Fax: 219-836-2838
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 process requires
Injection
Optional Side Wall
Cement
The SIVE-LF Process
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1999
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:
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Douglas Dieter
SIVE Services
555 Rossi Drive
Dixon, CA 95620
707-678-8358
Fax: 707-678-2202
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.
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
STAR ORGANICS, L.L.C.
(Soil Rescue Remediation Fluid)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Star 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 the 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
minimizes the handling and transport costs
associated with treatment and disposal, (2) it
requires no air monitoring because it release no
emissions, (3) its liquid application procedure
minimizes 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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The Soil Rescue solution has been shown to be
effective in reducing concentrations of barium,
cadmium, chromium, copper, 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 allow 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. The objective of the
demonstration was to determine if the Soil Rescue
process can reduce the bioavailability of lead in
the soil by 25 percent. Results of the
demonstration will be available in early 1999.
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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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
THERMO NUTECH, INC.
(formerly TMA THERMO ANALYTICAL, INC.)
(Segmented Gate System)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
Thermo NUtech, Inc. (Thermo), 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 hand-held
instruments. When small areas of contamination
are encountered, they are typically removed
manually. When surveys disclose larger areas of
contamination, heavy equipment is used to
remove the contaminated material. Because
pinpoint excision with earthmoving equipment is
difficult, large amounts of uncontaminated soil
are removed with the contaminant. Few sites
have been characterized to be uniformly and/or
homogeneously contaminated above release
criteria over the entire site area.
As a result, Thermo 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 when
radioactive particles are removed, 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 radioactivity
content is logged. Copyrighted computer
software tracks the radioactive material as it is
transported by the conveyor. The software then
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
contaminated material in another.
Contaminated Material
Gate Opens
to Catch
Contaminated
Material
.Contaminated
Soil Storage
Contaminated
Soil for
Disposal
Reclaimed Clean Soil
TMA's Segmented Gate System
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February 1999
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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, and can quantify distributed
radioactivity, which is assayed in units of
picoCuries 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 for americium-241
of 2 pCi/g and for radium-226 of 5 pCi/g have
been successfully demonstrated.
STATUS:
This technology was accepted into the SITE
Emerging Technology Program in July 1994.
Pilot- and field-scale tests using Thermo-owned
mobile equipment began at a U.S. Department of
Energy facility in March 1995.
A field test at a DOE site in Ashtabula, Ohio was
scheduled for October 1998. Soil containing
throrium-232, radium-226, and uranium-238 will
be processed.
A similar system has been used on Johnston Atoll
in the mid-Pacific since January 1992; Thermo is
currently under contract to the U.S Defense
Nuclear Agency to process coral soil
contaminated with plutonium and americium
using the SGS.
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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Jeffrey Brown
Thermo NUtech, Inc.
601 Scarboro Road
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
423-481-0683
Fax: 423-483-4621
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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 (Ml) for extraction with
concentrated chloride 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
HCI
1 Vacuum =ffl VF2
|—Dl Rinse Water
' Treated soil
Vacuum 4irl VF1
Concentrated Chloride Extraction and Recovery
of Lead (Bench-Scale Process)
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February 1999
(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 (Tl)
where it is acidified to pH 4 in preparation for
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 is expected 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
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@uh.edu
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
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.
Water Outlet
Reference Electrode
TiO2 Coated
Metal Mesh Photoanode
Water Inlet
U.V. Lamp
Porous Carbon Cathode
Photoreactor Design using Ceramic Film
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February 1999
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 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
ground-water 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
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
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
U.S. AIR FORCE
(Phytoremediation of TCE-Contaminated Shallow Groundwater)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The U. S. Air Force (USAF) has initiated a field
demonstration designed to evaluate the
effectiveness of eastern cottonwood trees in
remediating shallow groundwater contaminated
with trichloroethene (TCE). Using vegetation to
remediate contaminated soil and groundwater is
known as phytoremediation.
Phytoremediation of groundwater involves
planting deep-rooted, water-loving vegetation to
reduce contaminant levels in the saturated zone.
The USAF's demonstration entails planting and
cultivating eastern cottonwood trees over a
dissolved TCE plume in a shallow (6 to 11 feet
below grade) alluvial aquifer.
The cottonwood trees are expected to
bioremediate the contaminated groundwater and
any contaminated soil through one or more of the
following mechanisms:
Release of root exudates and
enzymes stimulating microbial
activity in the rhizosphere and
enhancing biochemical
transformations of contaminants
• Metabolism or mineralization of
contaminants within the vegetative
tissues; the contaminated water enters
the vegetative tissues by root uptake
from the aquifer
• Transpiration of water by the leaves
In essence, the trees are expected to serve as a
natural pump-and-treat system.
TCE concentrations in the groundwater, soil from
the rhizosphere, and tree tissues will be
Scale in Feet
Schematic Diagram of the Site Layout at Navel Air Station Ft. Worth
Page 234
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1999
monitored during the demonstration. In general,
data will be gathered and interpreted to identify
the overall effect of the planted trees on the
dissolved TCE plume in the aquifer. Groundwater
levels and TCE concentrations in the aquifer will
be measured initially to establish baseline
conditions and subsequently to map changes in
the aquifer throughout the demonstration period.
Changes in the flow field and the position of the
TCE plume will also be modeled.
TCE concentrations will also be monitored in the
soil from the rhizosphere and in the tree tissues.
Ratios of daughter and parent compounds will be
calculated for groundwater, soil, and tissue
samples collected throughout the demonstration
period. Microbial activity in the rhizosphere will
be monitored and transpiration rates will be
measured. These data will be used to determine
the fate of the TCE at the site, including those
processes that affect its fate.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The USAF's phytoremediation technology may be
used to remediate shallow groundwater and soil
contaminated with TCE, as well as other
contaminants common to USAF installations.
Such contaminants include petroleum, munitions,
and halogenated hydrocarbons. Costs of the
technology are limited to initial site preparation,
planting, and occasional maintenance (irrigation).
STATUS:
The technology was accepted into the SITE
Demonstration Program in 1996. The USAF is
currently demonstrating its phytoremediation
technology on a TCE plume near Air Force Plant
4 at the Naval Air Station Ft. Worth, formerly
Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas.
Initial site characterization and final site selection
were completed in January 1996. Site
development, which included planting trees and
installing the irrigation system, was completed in
April 1996. The figure on the previous page
details the layout of the site. Baseline sampling
began in June 1996, and demonstration sampling
is scheduled to continue until 2000. Preliminary
data may be obtained from either of the below
listed contacts.
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
AIR FORCE PROJECT MANAGER:
Gregory Harvey
U.S. Air Force
Mail Stop ASC-EMR
1801 10th Street, Building 8, Suite 200
AreaB
Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433
513-255-7716, ext. 302
Fax: 513-255-4155
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
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 (CMS™); (2) a
material handling, storage, and feeding
subsystem; (3) a vitrified product separation and
reservoir assembly; (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
materials 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 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 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 exits the glass- and gas-separation
chamber through the tap and is delivered to a
water quench assembly for subsequent disposal.
MATERIAL HANDLING
STORAGE & FEEDING
SUBSYSTEM
FLUE GAS
CLEANUP
SUBSYSTEM
VITRIFIED PRODUCT
HANDLING SUBSYSTEM
Vortec Vitrification Process
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1999
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 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.
• Produces a vitrified product that is
nontoxic according to 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 containing
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 is expected 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 spent pot liners,
which are considered cyanide- and fluoride-
containing wastes (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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
James Hnat
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville, PA 19426-315 8
610-489-2255
Fax:610-489-3185
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
PHOTOVAC MONITORING INSTRUMENTS
(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
Page 54
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February 1999
Completed Project
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:
Richard Berkley
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Telephone No.: 919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Kevin Scully
Photovac Monitoring Instruments
50 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT 06897
Telephone No.: 203-761-2867
Fax: 203-761-2892
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
Page 56
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: (702)798-2232
Fax No.: (702) 798-2261
E-mail: billets. stephen@epamail .epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Bruce Tucker or Paul Henning
Quadrel Services, Inc.
1896 Urbana Pike, Suite 20
Clarksburg, MD 20871
Telephone No.: (3 01) 8 74-5 510
Fax No.: (301)874-5567
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 57
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
RADIOMETER ANALYTICAL GROUP
(Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for Mercury in Soil)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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
semiquantitative 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.
STATUS:
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).
Page 58
The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Mark Nighman
Radiometer Analytical Group
810 Sharon Drive
Westlake, OH44145
Telephone No.: 800-998-8110, Ext. 213
Fax:440-899-1139
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 59
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
SENTEX SYSTEMS, 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 (30 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 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 n Portable Gas Chromatograph
Page 60
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS:
The Scentograph Plus II portable gas
chromatograph was evaluated in January 1992 at
a Superrund 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 residental 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Berkley
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Telephone No.: 919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Amos Linenberg
Sentex Systems, Inc.
553 Broad Avenue
Ridgefield, NJ 07657
Telephone No.: 201-945-3694
Fax: 201-941-6064
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
intergrity 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* TIP ASSEMBLY
Simulprobe Core Barrel Sampler
Page 62
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: (702)798-2232
Fax No.: (702)798-2261
E-mail: billets. stephen@epamail .epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Dr. Richard Laton
SimulProbe® Technologies, Inc.
354 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Suite F
Novato, CA 94949
Telephone No.: (415)883-8787
Fax No.: (415) 883-8788
E-mail: sprobe@simulprobe.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 63
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
SPACE AND NAVAL WARFARE SYSTEMS CENTER
(formerly Naval Command, Control and Ocean Surveillance 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.
Page 64
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approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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 met the demonstration obj ective
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
Telephone No.: 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
Telephone No.: 619-553-2778
Fax: 619-553-6553
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 65
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
3.11/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 injectors 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
continuouis 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.
Compact Gas Chromatograph
Page 66
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Richard Berkley
U.S. Environmental Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Telephone No.: 919-541-2439
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Douglas Gavilanes
SRI Instruments
20720 Earl Street
Torrance, CA 90503
Telephone No.: 310-214-5092
Fax: 310-214-5097
E-Mail: site@srigc.com
Internet: http://www.srigc.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 67
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 and water
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 concen-
trations in soil and water. For semiquantitative
soil analysis, the concentration ranges are as
follows: greater than 50 parts per million (ppm),
EnSys Penta Test System
Page 68
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
between 50 and 5 ppm, between 5 and 0.5 ppm,
and less than 0.5 ppm. For water analysis, the
concentration ranges are as follows: greater than
5,000 parts per billion (ppb), between 5,000 and
500 ppb, between 500 and 5 ppb, and less than 5
ppb. These ranges can be customized to a user's
needs.
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Tim Lawruk
Strategic Diagnostics, Inc.
Ill Pencader Drive
Newark, DE 19702
Telephone No.: 800-544-8881
Telephone No.: 302-456-6789
Fax: 302-456-6782
Web: www.sdix.com
Email: techservice(S>sdix.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
Page 69
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
STRATEGIC DIAGNOSTICS INC.
(Formerly EnviroGard Corporation)
(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. The operating procedure for this
competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay kit is
shown in the figure below.
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.
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
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.
E+ <
>/'
E •W
Hi^f-
^ H
\o/
HI Hh-
HH »-
\I_t/
S^Paor
HI H>-
HH 1-
\ii/
^ = Analyte
V = Anti-Analyte
1 Antibody
E+ = Enzyme
Conjugate
S = Substrate
C = Chromogen
Test Kit Procedure
Page 70
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
to yield data allowing classification above or
below 1,5, 10, or 50 parts per million (ppm). 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
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.
STATUS:
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 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) is available from 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 is 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
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Barbara Young
Analytical Division
Millipore Corporation
80 Ashby Road
Bedford, MA 01730
617-533-5207
Fax: 617-533-3135
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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.
Magnetic Particle with
Antibody Attached
Pentachlorophenol
Enzyme Conjugate
Pentachlorophenol
Chromogen/Substrate
Colored Product
2. Separation
1. Immunological Reaction
n
3. Color Development
RaPID Assay®
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February 1999
Completed Project
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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.
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2154
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Craig Kostyshyn
Strategic Diagnostics,Inc.
375 Pheasant Run
Newtown, PA 18940
Telephone No.: 215-860-5115, ext. 634
Fax: 215-860-5213
RaPID Assay Used During the SITE Demonstration
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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
TN 9000 X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer
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February 1999
Completed Project
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.
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.
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets. stephen@epamail .epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Peter Berry
TN Spectrace
2555 North IH 35
P.O. Box 800
Round Rock, TX 78680-0800
Telephone No.: 512-388-9100
Fax: 512-388-9200
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2232
Fax: 702-798-2261
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACTS:
George Robitaille
Army Environmental Center
Building 4430
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010
Telephone No.: 410-612-6865
Fax: 410-612-6836
John Ballard
Waterways Experiment Station
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39810
Telephone No.: 601-634-2446
Fax: 601-634-2732
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
(Field Analytical Screening Program - PCB method)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
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.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
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
period. The Innovative Technology Evaluation
Report (EPA/540/R-95/516) contains additional
details on the method's demonstration and
evaluation and is available from EPA.
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February 1999
Completed Project
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2432
Fax: 702-798-2692
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Howard Fribush
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mail Code 5204G
401M Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20460
Telephone No.: 703-603-8831
Fax: 703-603-9112
Fax: 512-388-9200
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY
(Field Analytical Screening Program - PCP method)
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION:
The field analytical screening program (FASP)
pentachlorophenol (PCP) method uses a gas
chromatograph (GC) equipped with a megabore
capillary column and either a flame ionization
detector (FID) or an electron-capture detector
(BCD) to identify and quantify PCPs. Gas
chromatography is an EPA-approved method for
determining PCP concentrations in soil, water,
and waste samples. The FASP PCP method is an
abbreviated, modified version of these methods.
Soil and water samples require extraction before
GC analysis. To remove interferences caused by
petroleum hydrocarbons, including PCP carriers
such as mineral spirits, kerosene, diesel fuel, and
fuel oil, an acid-base partition clean-up step is
used. In this step, the method includes petroleum
hydrocarbons that are removed from the reagent
water, while potassium phenates remain in the
reagent water. Sample extracts are injected onto
a GC, separated with a DB-5 megabore capillary
column, and the PCP is identified and quantified
using a FID. The sample extracts are then
compared to standards to determine whether PCP
is present in the sample and, if so, at what
concentration. The FASP PCP method will only
provide high parts per billion detection levels of
PCP in water when an FID is used. To achieve a
lower detection limit, the sample extracts are
reanalyzed using an BCD.
The FASP PCP method is field-portable only in
a mobile laboratory. It should be used indoors in
a temperature-controlled environment. Reagents
required for soil and water sample analyses
require refrigeration and the GC extraction fume
hood requires electricity.
WASTE APPLICABILITY:
The FASP PCP method is designed to provide
quantitative screening results for PCP in water
and soil samples. The FASP PCP method is best
used at sites where PCP is a known contaminant,
where petroleum products are not the carrier
solvents, and where large concentrations of other
organic chemicals are not present in the sample.
STATUS:
The FASP PCP method was demonstrated under
the SITE Program at a well-characterized PCP-
contaminated site. During the demonstration, the
method was used to analyze 98 soil samples, 14
soil field duplicates, 10 water samples, and six
water sample field duplicates. Split samples were
submitted to an on-site laboratory for
confirmatory analysis by the standard EPA-
approved analytical methods. Data generated by
the FASP PCP method were directly compared
with the data from the off-site laboratory to
evaluate the method's accuracy and precision. In
addition, the specificity of the technology was
evaluated.
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February 1999
Completed Project
The demonstration results indicate that the FASP
PCP method requires experienced GC operators to
produce reliable results. The average number of
demonstration samples extracted, concentrated,
and analyzed in one 10-hour day during the
demonstration was 14. The detection limit
reported by this method for soil samples is 0.8
parts per million and 1.0 ppb for water samples.
Generally, if 10 to 20 percent of the soil samples
(not contaminated with petroleum) are sent to a
confirmatory laboratory, the results from the other
80 to 90 percent can be corrected. This approach
could yield significant savings in analytical costs.
The water analysis portion of this demonstration
produced similar results.
The FASP PCP method was found to be most
affected by the diesel fuel used as a PCP carrier
solvent. A specificity study performed during the
demonstration showed that diesel fuel would
provide a positive response when present at a
concentration of 10 ppm. The Innovative
Technology Evaluation report (EPA/540/R-
95/528) contains additional details on the
method's demonstration and evaluation and is
available from EPA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Jeanette Van Emon
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Larry Jack
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Characterization Research Division
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
Telephone No.: (702) 798-2373
Fax: 512-388-9200
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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.
Expanded
PTFE
Insertion
and
Retrieval
Cord
Soil Surface
Expanded
PTFE Sorbent
Container
Granular
Sorbent
Sealed Pinch
Pocket for
Insertion Tool
Insertion
Tool
Sealed Bottom End
GORE-SORBER*
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The SITE Program assesses but does not
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS:
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
Telephone No.: 702-798-2261
Fax: 702-798-2261
E-mail: billets. stephen@epamail .epa.gov
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Ray Fenstermacher
W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
100 Chesapeake Boulevard
Elkton, MD21921
Telephone No.: 410-392-7600
Fax: 410-506-4780
E-mail: rfenster@wlgore.com
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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Technology Profile
MONITORING AND MEASUREMENTS
TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM
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 APPLICABILTY:
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 population,
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
[WIND DIRECTION
Schematic Diagram of the XonTech Sector Sampler
Page 84
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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February 1999
Completed Project
STATUS:
The XonTech sector sampler's usabililty 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. The
sampler is now commercially available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
EPA PROJECT MANAGER:
Joachim Pleil
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
National Exposure Research Laboratory
MD-44
Research Triangle Park, NC 27711
Telephone No.: 919-541-4680
Fax: 919-541-3527
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPER CONTACT:
Matt Yoong
XonTech Incorporated
6862 Hayvenhurst Avenue
VanNuys, CA 91406
Telephone No.: 818-787-7380
Fax: 818-787-8132
The SITE Program assesses but does not
approve or endorse technologies.
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