Remove contaminants. Restore balance.
Efficiently removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from contaminated soils using cutting-edge Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) technology.
What is soil vapor extraction?
Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE) is a proven remediation technology that removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from contaminated soils by extracting soil vapors. This technology is particularly effective for addressing contamination in the unsaturated zone, where VOCs can pose significant environmental and health risks. Hanis Consulting specializes in designing and implementing tailored SVE systems, ensuring efficient remediation while balancing cost and time constraints.
The science behind soil vapor extraction.
SVE relies on physical and chemical principles to remove VOCs from soil pores by drawing out soil vapors through a vacuum system. Once extracted, the vapors are treated to eliminate harmful contaminants before being released or disposed of properly.
-
Extraction Wells:
- Wells are strategically placed in the contaminated area to create a vacuum, allowing soil vapors to be drawn to the surface.
-
Vacuum System:
- A vacuum pump applies negative pressure to the subsurface, mobilizing VOCs trapped in the soil pores and pulling them into the extraction wells.
-
Air Treatment System:
- Extracted vapors are passed through treatment systems, such as activated carbon or thermal oxidizers, to remove contaminants before safe release.
-
Monitoring and Adjustments:
- Continuous monitoring ensures optimal performance and adjusts the system based on changing site conditions or cleanup goals.
By leveraging SVE technology, Hanis Consulting delivers efficient and effective VOC remediation, protecting both the environment and public health.
Is your site suitable for soil vapor extraction?
Not all sites are ideal for SVE. This technology works best under specific geological, contaminant, and operational conditions. Understanding these factors is key to ensuring successful remediation.
-
Geology:
- Works best in sandy or loamy soils with high permeability, allowing vapors to move freely through the soil.
-
Land Use:
- Suitable for industrial or commercial properties where subsurface remediation can occur with minimal surface disruption.
-
Time Constraints:
- SVE is relatively fast but depends on the volume of contaminated soil and concentration of VOCs.
-
Contaminants:
- Ideal for VOCs and some semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including petroleum hydrocarbons, solvents, and chlorinated compounds.
Hanis Consulting evaluates your site’s unique characteristics to determine if SVE is the right fit for your remediation needs.
Why choose SVE for remediation?
SVE is one of the most efficient methods for addressing VOC contamination. Its benefits extend beyond environmental restoration, making it a preferred option for many remediation projects.
-
Efficiency:
- Rapidly removes VOCs from the subsurface, accelerating site cleanup and reducing overall project timelines.
-
Cost-Effective:
- Compared to excavation or thermal methods, SVE is more economical for sites with VOC contamination.
-
Minimally Disruptive:
- Requires minimal excavation and can often be implemented without significant disruption to surface activities.
-
Customizable:
- Systems can be tailored to specific site conditions, ensuring maximum effectiveness and adaptability.
-
Environmentally Friendly:
- Focuses on containment and removal without extensive soil disturbance, preserving the site’s integrity.
-
Regulatory Compliance:
- Meets stringent cleanup standards, providing peace of mind for property owners and stakeholders.
With Hanis Consulting’s expertise, your SVE project will achieve optimal results while minimizing costs and disruptions.
Common questions about soil vapor extraction.
Considering SVE for your site? Here are answers to frequently asked questions to help you better understand this powerful remediation technology.
How long does an SVE project take?
Cleanup times vary but typically range from a few months to a year, depending on contamination levels and site conditions.
What contaminants can SVE address?
SVE is effective for VOCs like benzene, toluene, and chlorinated solvents, as well as some SVOCs.
Is SVE suitable for groundwater contamination?
SVE targets the unsaturated zone above the water table but can be combined with other methods, such as air sparging, for groundwater cleanup.
What monitoring is required during SVE?
Continuous monitoring ensures system efficiency and compliance with environmental standards.
Does SVE disrupt surface activities?
Minimal disruption is expected, as the system operates primarily below the surface.
How do you determine if SVE is viable?
A site assessment evaluates factors like soil permeability, VOC concentrations, and land use to determine suitability.
Is SVE environmentally sustainable?
Yes, it minimizes soil disturbance and focuses on targeted contaminant removal, reducing environmental impact.
What happens to the extracted vapors?
Vapors are treated using activated carbon, thermal oxidizers, or other technologies before safe disposal or release.
