Computer simulation of heated soil vapor extraction system for effective remediation

Soil remediation using heated soil vapor extraction system has gained a significant attention in recent years. The process, developed by Advanced Remedial Technology, comprises of a heat well (heat source) and an extraction well (sink). These wells are pipes, which are implanted in the soil. Heating is accomplished by circulating hot oil through the heat exchange units in heat well. The extraction well has a blower, which sucks the air, and other volatile gases that are evaporated due to heating. An analysis aimed at improving the predictability of the process using numerical tools has been carried out. The key parameters in the process can be identified as the distance between the wells, the temperature that has to be maintained in the heat well and the time required vaporizing the gases and taking them off the soil. These parameters are strongly dependent on the properties of the soil and properties of the chemical pollutants present in the soil. An attempt has been made to model the real process of heating the soil and vaporizing the chemicals in the soil. Such comprehensive analysis is very much helpful in predicting the different parameters as discussed above and result in increase in effectiveness and efficiency of the process.