In Situ Remedial Alternative and Aquifer Properties Evaluation Probe System

Abstract

In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and “push-pull testing” concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical, surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The multi-purpose single probe system can to measure the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a liquid or gas ejectant and recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater samples for contaminant analyses, and can measure the chemical dosage and reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution, adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected and withdrawn during a push-pull test.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present disclosure is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 931,012, filed Aug. 31, 2004, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Both State and Federal government have strict regulations governing hazardous organic and inorganic contaminants in the environment. Subsurface soil and groundwater contamination with organic and inorganic contaminants has been the concern of State and Federal government since the 1970's. Action levels and clean-up standards have been promulgated by both State and Federal government for numerous organic and inorganic contaminants. Regulated organic contaminants in the subsurface environment include, but are not limited to: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) such as tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE), trichloroethane (TCA), dichloroethene (DCE), vinyl chloride; fuel constituents...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019]The present invention performs relative permeability profiling in lieu of hydraulic conductivity profiling, because it is faster and more easily automated than hydraulic conductivity testing while yielding information about likely stratigraphy and contaminant migration pathways. During relative permeability testing with DPT, the present invention ejects a sealant from the probe above the chamber from which the reactant / ejectant exits to direct it into the formation and prevent it from traveling upwards along the probe body towards the ground surface. The present invention can also eject a lubricant from the same chamber to aid in driving the probe to a greater depth.

Problems solved by technology

The prior art does not accommodate ejection of a sealant from a probe prior to performing a push-pull test.

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