In-situ surfactant and chemical oxidant flushing for complete remediation of contaminants and methods of using same
First Claim
1. A method for substantially removing subsurface contaminants, comprising the steps of:
- introducing first an effective amount of at least one pre-selected biodegradable co-solvent;
introducing second an effective amount of at least one pre-selected surfactant solution, comprising the steps of;
determining a contaminant solubilization of a surfactant system;
determining a surfactant sorption and precipitation of the surfactant system;
determining a surfactant non-aqueous phase liquid behavior properties of the surfactant system to assess a potential for surfactant losses under subsurface conditions; and
performing contaminant extraction-column studies to simulate flow through conditions in the aquifer;
introducing third an effective amount of at least one pre-selected chemical oxidant, comprising the steps of;
determining relative reaction rates of the reactant;
determining the life span of the reactant;
evaluating the chemical demand associated with pH adjustment; and
identifying geochemical characteristics of the site;
wherein combination of the effective amount of at least one pre-selected biodegradable co-solvent, the at least one pre-selected surfactant solution, and the effective amount of at least one pre-selected chemical oxidant is capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to the removal of subsurface contaminants and methods of using same. In more particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an integrated method for remediating subsurface contaminants through the use of a low concentration surfactant solution (and methods of making and using novel surfactant solutions) followed by an abiotic polishing process to thereafter achieve a substantially reduced subsurface contaminant concentration that surfactant flushing alone cannot achieve. The present invention is focused on remediation of high viscosity hydrocarbons, such as heating oils or coal tars, with a combination of pre-injection of bio-co-solvent and surfactant (and polymer) flush approach.
-
Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A method for substantially removing subsurface contaminants, comprising the steps of:
-
introducing first an effective amount of at least one pre-selected biodegradable co-solvent; introducing second an effective amount of at least one pre-selected surfactant solution, comprising the steps of; determining a contaminant solubilization of a surfactant system; determining a surfactant sorption and precipitation of the surfactant system; determining a surfactant non-aqueous phase liquid behavior properties of the surfactant system to assess a potential for surfactant losses under subsurface conditions; and performing contaminant extraction-column studies to simulate flow through conditions in the aquifer; introducing third an effective amount of at least one pre-selected chemical oxidant, comprising the steps of; determining relative reaction rates of the reactant; determining the life span of the reactant; evaluating the chemical demand associated with pH adjustment; and identifying geochemical characteristics of the site; wherein combination of the effective amount of at least one pre-selected biodegradable co-solvent, the at least one pre-selected surfactant solution, and the effective amount of at least one pre-selected chemical oxidant is capable of substantially removing subsurface contaminants. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification