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High Vacuum Multi-Phase Extraction Systems


Remediation Applications
Multi-phase Extraction (MPE) - or Dual Phase Extraction (DPE) - systems can be used for a number of potential applications including:
  • Combined recovery of groundwater, NAPL and soil vapour (also know as "biolurping"
  • Generation of sufficient vacuum to draw soil vapours from low permeability soils and enhance volatilisation of residual NAPL within the soil matrix;
  • Mobilisation of DNAPL (and groundwater) towards the remediation wells(s)
Usually an MPE system is selected due to a low permeability formation and the need to apply a higher vacuum.  In addition, the technology is often specified for simultaneous abstraction of LNAPL and DNAPL.  This is an area where there are many misunderstandings and the abstraction of even free-phase diesel by high vacuum techniques is likely to lead to a Zone 0 atmosphere and require an ATEX Cat. 1 system.  Please call to discuss.
 
Key Benefits
  • Can draw vapours and liquids through low permeability formations;
  • Lower pressures in the soil formation enhance volatilisation potential of organics;
  • Suitable for combination with a range of other technologies.
  • Extremely robust and reliable design
  • Frequently available “off the shelf”
Operation
A typical MPE system may typically be deployed in one of two manners:

Either: The plant may be connected to a number of remediation wells either via individual “spur” pipes connected to a single large header pipe which in turn will be connected to the System Inlet.  The pipes will usually be connected via a “tee” to side the side of the remediation well.  A vacuum is applied to the inlet separator by a vacuum pump(s) (typically a rotary claw pump) and thus soil vapour and any liquids is drawn from the wells through the separator.  Any liquids will drop out and the soil vapour will continue through the vacuum pump to discharge through a vapour treatment plant such as Activated Carbon,  Catalytic Oxidiser or Biofilter.  A dilution valve is fitted to facilitate adjustment of the concentration mix passing through the SVE system.  This dilution valve may be manual or, if the system is equipped with an in-line LEL detection may be controlled automatically by the PLC to maintain an optimum concentration.  Abstracted liquids will be pumped via a progressive cavity pump to a Water Treatment Plant

Or: Alternatively, lances will be installed into the wells to a required depth (perhaps 500mm below groundwater level).  These lances will in turn be connected via individual pipes directly to an inlet manifold on the plant or to a single large header pipe.

Specifications
Cornelsen can build a system to match virtually any required design.  A typical off-the shelf system available for rapid mobilisation and hire is summarised below:
  • 10’ Steel Shipping Container with insulation, electric light and ventilation
  • Max. Air Flow:  6000m3/hr;
  • Max. Vacuum: -800mbar gauge (200mbar abs.);
  • Gas sampling and infra-red LEL detection system (Not Inline)
  • Gas tight valves,
  • 400 litre moisture and particulate separator with ATEX Level controls and progressive cavity discharge pump;
  • Control Panel with PLC and telemetry with SMS alarm text messages and remote dial in access.
Tech Tip:  The installation of in-line LEL detection systems in MPE plants is typically poorly applied.  Failure to condition the soil vapour for the flow, pressure, humidity and temperature parameters required by the LEL detector head render the readings useless.
 


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