Patent · US Expired

Enhanced deep soil vapor extraction process and apparatus for removing contaminants trapped in or below the water table

US5271693A · kind A · utility

59Cited by
10References
9Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 9, 1992
Grant dateDec 21, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 9, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB09C2101/00
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An Enhanced Deep Soil Vapor Extraction Process and Apparatus utilizes heaters placed into the soil at least to the depth of contamination and a vapor/condensate extraction system that withdraws volatilized contaminant vapors from the subsurface and any condensate that collects in the extraction well. Depending on the rate of formation of condensate in the well, a second conduit may be placed inside the well for the collection and removal of condensate by a downhole pump or a suction device located at ground surface. The process is directed towards contaminants trapped in or below the normal groundwater level. Groundwater extraction wells are also employed to create a "cone of depression", or local draw-down of the groundwater to expose those soils that are normally water saturated and thereby permit decontamination of such soils. Conduits may be placed within the groundwater extraction wells for the purpose of extracting groundwater.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.