Estimation of Operation Time for Soil Vapor Extraction Systems
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 9
Abstract
Soil vapor extraction (SVE) has become an acceptable method of removing volatile organic compounds from soil. However, determining the length of time these systems should operate has been historically difficult. This paper presents a procedure for determining this length of operation. The procedure incorporates principles of uncertainty analysis, contaminant transport, and decision theory. An example is provided to illustrate the use of the procedure. Additional analysis of the results shows that a simple calculation can be made that will determine if a SVE system that has been operating for a period of time and is in the later stages of contaminant removal should continue to operate. This calculation consists of dividing the cost of treating the remaining contaminated soil with an alternative method (e.g., ex situ biological treatment) by the annual operation and maintenance cost and comparing this ratio to the inverse of the interest rate. If this ratio is less than the inverse of the interest rate the system should be shut off.
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References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 129 • Issue 9 • September 2003
Pages: 873 - 878
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 16, 2001
Accepted: Sep 20, 2002
Published online: Aug 15, 2003
Published in print: Sep 2003
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