Economics - The Chemviron Competetive Edge

Studies have shown that Chemviron trailer mounted, dual-phase extraction systems are more cost effective than permanently installed systems or simple "vac-truck" events Permanent systems require significant capital investment in equipment and materials, as well as underground piping installation and construction of a building. Installation of a permanent system can disrupt business at a busy retail site, often for several weeks. And as shown in the graphs, Chemviron systems can achieve contaminant reduction at a rate equal to a permanent system at one-third the cost. Simple "vac-truck" events are supervised by a engineer, and can only be conducted for 12 hours or less. Studies comparing the two types of systems have revealed that automated Chemviron units can be operated continuously for seven days (168 hours) at the same cost as a 12-hour visit by a vac-truck. Applying an accurate vacuum at an exact depth and developing optimum mass removal rates are hard to accomplish with a vac-truck. Samples are hard to collect, and the instrumentation needed to monitor and analyze the contaminants is not a part of most vac-truck rigs. While they do offer portability, the limitations of vac-trucks make them unacceptable in situations that require a fully instrumented, automated operation.

Mobile Equipment
Chemviron’s approach to remediating soil and groundwater combines the attributes of a permanent system with its sophisticated engineering and the maximum adaptation of equipment. Our approach offers the high power and mobility of a truck-mounted installation, without sacrificing the attributes of either. Chemviron systems are mounted inside enclosed trailers that are both weather-tight and vandal-resistant. The basic system power comes from a diesel engine or electric motor that powers an advanced vacuum pump capable of drawing up to 24 inches of mercury vacuum. Clients often specify systems equipped with both an engine and a motor to assure maximum effectiveness in any setting. The basic system also comes with PLC-based system controls and cell-phone telemetry, air-liquid separator and adjustable wellhead connections. The instrumentation supplied by Chemviron to monitor and control performance rivals anything available with permanently installed systems. Monitoring devices include air velocity meters, liquid level interface probes and vacuum gauges. To evaluate system performance, sampling ports to monitor vacuum, air and liquid flow rates are an integral part of the system.

The Chemviron Advantage
Chemviron systems arrive at the site "ready to work." The systems are completely self-contained and self-powered. They also contain all the fully serviced equipment needed to begin dual-phase extraction from existing extraction or monitoring wells within minutes. Chemviron`s units can apply dual-phase extraction at a number of wells simultaneously through the use of an effective aboveground manifold. The units can also be shuttled between wells during a single visit, or when multiple visits are made; the equipment is easily moved to localized "hot spots." Chemviron systems are designed for one-man operation. Our technicians are experienced in collecting environmental data, operating the equipment and applying Chemviron`s dual-phase extraction technology. The field data and laboratory results can be evaluated by Chemviron`s in-house environmental specialists and reports summarizing the work done are presented to our clients in digital format. Chemviron technicians receive extensive training in technology application, and have OSHA 40 hour HAZWOPER training, API Work Safe training, customer specific training (BP, MARATHON, etc.) as well as DOT CDL certifications with hazardous cargo certifications. The cost advantages of an extraction system that`s fully automated, designed by experts, equipped with highly functional controls and instrumentation, and is also mobile makes Chemviron your best choice. Call or write today. We`ll be happy to provide information, answer questions or consult with you about how the Chemviron dual-phase extraction system can be applied to solve your contamination problems.

Application A Comprehensive Approach To Remediation
If desired, the Chemviron team can conduct a site specific evaluation with respect to the effectiveness of the proposed technology in order to develop the best possible operational strategy to remove vapor and liquid phase contaminants. During a pilot test or longer-term run, observations and evaluations are used to make adjustments to the system to optimize mass removal and treatment performance. Real-time sampling of operational parameters is accomplished by using a proprietary device to collect accurate readings of flow rates, VOC concentration and applied vacuum. Data is collected at the extraction point, as well as at surrounding observation points to monitor radius of influence. The information is used to evaluate mass removal and overall system performance. Recovered vapors are discharged to the atmosphere after first being treated with vapor phase carbon where required. Recovered liquids, on the other hand, are either containerized for later off-site disposal, or they can be treated on-site using a state-approved petroleum impacted ground water treatment system. These remedial events are performed at a site on a periodic basis. This promotes natural attenuation, which is enhanced after each episode of vapor or liquid phase removal. The frequency and duration of subsequent events is determined after careful review of site conditions and the requirements of clients and regulatory agencies. Thus, some sites receive treatment one day per month, while others undergo treatment for a week or more. The systems can be fully automated to run unattended, 24 hours a day. Automated units are equipped with alarm controls on all process vessels, integrated to the controls for automatic shut-off.

Theory
Chemviron’s approach to applying "dual-phase" extraction uses highly adaptable vacuum technology for simultaneous extraction of contaminants in both liquid and vapor phases from the subsurface. The same system can be used to extract contaminants from monitoring wells, extraction wells and tank pit sumps. This proven technology is unsurpassed in removing volatile organic compounds from soil, rock and groundwater at commercial and industrial sites including service stations, truck stops, petroleum and chemical bulk plant terminals, refineries and manufacturing facilities. Typical contaminants of concern include, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene, chlorinated hydrocarbons and multi-compound mixtures such as gasoline, jet fuel and diesel fuel in liquid or vapor phase. As a low magnitude vacuum is created beneath the surface, contaminants in the vapor phase are "stripped" from the formation and are drawn toward the vacuum source. Air from outside the impacted zone, which contains higher concentrations of oxygen, is drawn through the contaminated area as it moves toward the extraction point and assists in volatilization and natural attenuation processes. Similarly, vacuum introduced below the water table where normal fluctuations in groundwater levels has created a "smear" zone pulls free-phase product and/or groundwater containing dissolved volatile organic compounds toward the extraction point. As this liquid is removed, it is replaced through natural recharge by fresh water from outside the impacted zone. In a fashion similar to vapor phase extraction, this water contains higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen. In addition to the removal of volatile compounds in the vapor and liquid phases, Chemviron systems effectively remove non-aqueous phase liquids, regardless of their volatility. It is highly successful in removing both light and dense non-aqueous materials, ranging from gasoline to heavy motor oil and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

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