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Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Organic Chemicals in Ground Water: Prevention, Detection, and Remediation® Conference |
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 : 9:00 a.m.
Innovative Technology Enhances In Situ Injection
Patrick M. Hicks, Ph.D. - ZEBRA Environmental Corporation; 30 N. Prospect Ave; Lynbrook,
An innovative technology is now available to environmental professionals to enhance the injection of remediation products into the subsurface. Historically, application of in situ remediation products included pressurized injection into the subsurface with limited control over ultimate placement. Zones of higher hydraulic conductivity were thought to contain the larger contaminant mass, and these zones of higher conductivity were assumed to receive the majority of the injected remediation product. However, practical experience indicates that this theory of hydraulic conductivity and injected product acceptance may not be uniformly applicable across contaminated sites. Additionally, injected products often migrate to the surface adjacent to the injection rod string (blow-by), which substantially decreases remedial efficacy.
The Hornet Environmental Tool is an option to overcome some of these injection challenges. The tool is designed as a surface-mounted system for direct push rods (or injection wells). The tool generates a fluid pressure pulse through the injected product that causes momentary elastic flexure of the pore structure. The pressure pulse moves fluid into (and out of) a larger number of pore networks, with the goal of obtaining a more uniform injection front, and potentially decreasing the blow-by effect.
Recent injection projects tested the Hornet Tool on an injection point compared to a non-enhanced injection point basis. This injection project showed dramatic reduction in blow-by, and increased injection efficiency. The number of successful injection points, and the average amount of injected material increased dramatically during events using the Hornet Tool.
This presentation will include a detailed explanation of the technology, including photographs of field applications, and graphic displays of the data. The resulting data implications for in situ remediation technology selection and applications will also be illustrated.
Patrick Hicks, Ph.D., ZEBRA Environmental Corp. Dr. Hicks has over 20 years of experience directing investigation and remediation projects in the environmental industry. His area of expertise includes biological treatment of contaminated soil and groundwater, as well as physical and chemical based technologies. He has worked on projects across the United States, and in Europe. Duties performed for ZEBRA Environmental Corp include Technical Director, Safety Coordinator and Branch Manager of the Raleigh, North Carolina office.