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DEMONSTRATION BULLETIN: IN SITU STEAM ENHANCED RECOVERY PROCESS - HUGHES ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC.
Citation:
Cook, K. DEMONSTRATION BULLETIN: IN SITU STEAM ENHANCED RECOVERY PROCESS - HUGHES ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, INC. EPA/540/MR-94/510, 1994.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
The Steam Enhanced Recovery Process (SERP) is designed to remove volatile compounds such as halogenated solvents and petroleum hydrocarbons, and semi-volatile compounds from contaminated soils in situ. The vapor pressures of most contaminants will increase by the addition of steam, causing them to become more volatile and mobile. The technology operates through wells drilled in the contaminated soil. Injection wells deliver high pressure steam (15 psig) to the soil, while extraction wells draw a vacuum on the soil. The pressure gradient drives the steam, water, and vaporized contaminants to the extraction wells where they can be removed for disposal or recycling. Figure 1 illustrates the operation of the process beneath the soil surface.