In Situ Remedial Alternative and Aquifer Properties Evaluation Probe System

Abstract

In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and “push-pull testing” concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical, surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The multi-purpose single probe system can to measure the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a liquid or gas ejectant and recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater samples for contaminant analyses, and can measure the chemical dosage and reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution, adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected and withdrawn during a push-pull test.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present disclosure is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 931,012, filed Aug. 31, 2004, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Both State and Federal government have strict regulations governing hazardous organic and inorganic contaminants in the environment. Subsurface soil and groundwater contamination with organic and inorganic contaminants has been the concern of State and Federal government since the 1970's. Action levels and clean-up standards have been promulgated by both State and Federal government for numerous organic and inorganic contaminants. Regulated organic contaminants in the subsurface environment include, but are not limited to: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) such as tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), trichloroethane (TCA), dichloroethene (DCE), vinyl chloride; fuel constituents...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a probe system that can evaluate in situ the relative permeability of soil and groundwater, as well as the effectiveness of remedial agents, such as chemical oxidants, biochemical reactants, surfactants, adsorbent media regenerants, leaching or fixation agents, and pneumatic advancement. The probe system can also measure the concentration of contaminants in soil vapor or groundwater with depth, and the in situ chemical dosage requirements for remedial alternatives evaluation. The probe system can perform push-pull testing for chemical oxidation, evaluate the effectiveness of reactants or surfactants, and measure the contaminant concentration profile during a push-pull test. The data collected from the probe system can be used to assess the relative permeability of soil and groundwater, and to evaluate the effectiveness of remedial agents. The invention provides a faster, more cost-effective, and more comprehensive method for evaluating in situ remedial alternatives."

Problems solved by technology

The prior art does not accommodate ejection of a sealant from a probe prior to performing a push-pull test.

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