MPE/SVE REMEDIATION SYSTEM
NEWARK, DELAWARE

LBG recently installed a combination multi-phase extraction (MPE) and soil vapor extraction (SVE) system designed to remediate petroleum and solvent impacted soil and to recover free-phase product at an operating manufacturing facility. The system consists of 18 wells in three areas that operate at average wellhead vacuums of 12-15 ”Hg and flow rates of 30-45 scfm.

The key to the successful installation and operation of this remediation system was the close communication between two LBG offices, the client (at both corporate and plant levels), state regulatory agencies, and local city officials. This type of comprehensive approach to communication helped to insure that the requirements and preferences of all involved parties were satisfied. The net result was a remediation system which not only pleased all parties involved, but also a system that will effectively address three distinct releases in three separate areas of the facility.

Off gas from the system is treated using a best available technology electric catalytic oxidizer. The use of the catox eliminated the necessity of updating the site-wide Title V air permit and the system operates at full capacity.

The system in general consists of an underground piping network from multiple extraction wells, a mobile treatment trailer, a product storage tank, and a catalytic oxidizer. The mobile trailer houses a complete MPE system including an oil sealed liquid ring pump, a high efficiency vapor/liquid separator, an oil/water separator, and an automated manifold system allowing for rotation between extraction wells. Also included is a SVE system with a similar manifold set up. Coordination with the plant wastewater group allowed use of the in-house water treatment system, thus avoiding the installation of a costly ground-water treatment system. Once an area has achieved remedial goals, the system is easily moved to the next treatment area.

The installation of the underground piping was closely coordinated with plant production personnel to avoid any disruption to the 24-hour facility production schedule. One required piping installation area at the facility was the main loading dock. An early morning weekend schedule was implemented for a portion of the dock in the locations where access was not possible due to traffic patterns. Horizontal boring methods were used for pipe installation. The result was a seamless installation in which no disruptions to receivable goods occurred. All three areas have the necessary piping installed in underground vaults so that areas not in use are not in the way of normal plant activities.