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Method of removing volatile contaminants from contaminated earth strata

  • US 4,890,673 A
  • Filed: 02/01/1988
  • Issued: 01/02/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/04/1987
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of recovering and controlling a volatile contaminant from a contaminated layer of earth above a water table comprising the steps of:

  • establishing a first borehole in said earth, said first borehole terminating in said contaminated layer;

    establishing a second borehole spaced from said first borehole in said earth and which terminates within said water table below said contaminated layer;

    positioning a first conduit in said first borehole, with said first conduit being of smaller diameter than said first borehole;

    positioning a second conduit in said second borehole, with said second conduit being of smaller diameter than said second borehole;

    packing a fill material about each first and second conduit in their respective boreholes;

    operatively connecting said first and second conduits by a third conduit wherein said first conduit is in fluid flow communication with said second conduit;

    positioning means for neutralizing said volatile contaminant along said third conduit in flow communication therewith;

    positioning means for drawing air from said contaminated earth in flow communication with said first and second conduits;

    activating said means for drawing wherein air is drawn out of said contaminated layer to create an area of substantially reduced pressure which causes substantial quantities of said volatile contaminant to vaporize and be drawn up through said first conduit into said means for neutralizing to produce clean air;

    positioning a pump means between said means for neutralizing and said second conduit in flow communication therewith wherein said clean air is passed from said means for neutralizing into said second conduit.

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