Vacuum enhanced air sparging data results of a pilot test of a remediation trench

Air sparging (AS) and soil vapor extraction (SVE) are two methods used to recover hydrocarbons from vadose zone and ground water. Air sparging and soil vapor extraction also introduce oxygen to the ground water and the vadose zone which may enhance the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in the subsurface. The basic AS/SVE trench system design at the subject site consists of a horizontal section of air sparging pipe within the remediation trench. Compressed air is forced into the remediation trench through a 1-inch slotted PVC pipe. The air passes through the ground water, effectively stripping volatile organic hydrocarbons from the water. The volatile organics are removed and discharged to the atmosphere utilizing vapor extraction wells placed adjacent to or within the remediation trench. Because the behavior of the contaminants and the soil characteristics can change from site to site, it is common to perform a pilot test using equipment to simulate the actual conditions which will be encountered. The pilot test results are used to predict the equipment requirements and performance specifications.