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Process and apparatus for removing volatile organic compounds from contaminated vadose soil areas

  • US 5,116,515 A
  • Filed: 04/24/1991
  • Issued: 05/26/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/24/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for removing volatile organic compounds from contaminated vadose soil areas comprising:

  • a) at least one recovery probe means positioned for extending downwardly into contaminated soil areas to facilitate removal of volatile organic compounds therefrom, said recovery probe means defining a recovery probe chamber therein to receive gases received from adjacent contaminated soil areas, said recovery probe means including slot means defined therein to facilitate receiving of gases from contaminated soil into said recovery probe chamber means;

    b) a gas flow line means in fluid flow communication with respect to said recovery probe means to receive gases gathered therein;

    c) a water separator tank means in fluid flow communication with respect to said gas flow line means to receive fluids therefrom and to separate therefrom any liquid passing through said gas flow line means;

    d) a liquid level sensing means positioned within said water separator tank means and operable to sense the liquid level within said water separator tank means;

    e) a drain means positioned within said water separator tank means to facilitate draining thereof and being movable between a closed position preventing fluid flow therethrough and an opened position allowing water to be removed from said water separator tank means;

    f) an inlet valve means positioned within said gas flow line means to selectively control flow therethrough into said water separator tank means;

    g) an aeration means positioned within said water separator tank means to introduce gaseous bubbles into liquid gathered within said water separator tank means to remove volatile organic contaminants therefrom for introduction into gases above the liquid level therein;

    h) a blower means in fluid flow communication with respect to said water separator tank means and adapted to pull gases therefrom to form a partial vacuum therein to facilitate drawing of gases from said recovery probe chambers through said gas flow line means into said water separator tank means;

    i) a filtration means in fluid flow communication with respect to said blower means to receive gases therefrom, said filtration means being adapted to remove volatile organic contaminants therefrom;

    j) an external reservoir means for receiving contaminated water separately with respect to said recovery probe means; and

    k) an external water introduction means operatively connected with respect to said water separator tank means to facilitate introduction of contaminated water from said external reservoir means into said water separator tank means.

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