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SURFAC® surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation is EcoVac Services’ patented process combining the elements of dual phase multi phase extraction with surfactant injection. Nick Athens, co-owner of EcoVac Services, building upon the Enhanced Fluid Recovery (EFR) technology invented and developed by co-owner David M. Goodrich, developed a patent relating surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation with multi phase extraction dual phase extraction. This patent was awarded in December 2000.
This surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation technology targets sites with light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs), dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), and/or high concentrations of their dissolved constituents. This surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation approach incorporates the use of non-ionic, non-toxic and biodegradable proprietary surfactants to mobilize and/or solubilize LNAPL or DNAPL, which is subsequently “captured” by the dual phase multi phase extraction process. SURFAC® surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation typically takes 80% to 95% less time to remediate than traditional technologies as well as simultaneously reducing the carbon footprint--and energy consumption--by approximately 75% as compared to traditional remedial options.
EcoVac employs dual phase / multi phase extraction in advance of surfactant injection to create vacuum and hydraulic gradients at the injection points; this extraction process creates a vacuum and hydraulic controlled gradient for proper placement and enhanced distribution of the emplaced surfactant. The combined elements of dual phase multi phase extraction with surfactant emplacement provides for maximum horizontal and vertical distribution of surfactant while also maximizing direct and undiluted contact with the contaminant and impacted media. High pressure injection, which can result in displacement of the contaminant plume and/or harmful vapors, is not a component of the SURFAC® surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation process.
Surfactants facilitate contaminant removal by two primary mechanisms: first, through enhancing the mobility of the contaminant by reducing interfacial tension; and finally by increasing contaminant solubility. Contaminant mobility increases by the reduction of interfacial tension which allows the LNAPL or DNAPL to flow more readily through the subsurface. Contaminant solubility will also increase by the formation of micro-emulsions. Following surfactant injection--generally within 16 to 48 hours-- dual phase / multi phase extraction is utilized to “capture” the mobilized contaminant, surfactant, and the micro-emulsions formed during this process. Aerobic biodegradation may also be enhanced during the SURFAC® surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation process, as the surfactants are considered a co-metabolite to aerobic hydrocarbon digesting microbes.
In the final phase of the process, we implement multiple spaced episodic dual phase multi phase extraction “capture” events to allow for “vertical” flushing of the impacted soil column. The extraction pattern varies to assure the most efficient sweep of the contaminant zone.
EcoVac Services has become the leading provider of surfactant remediation services in the United States, having completed over 50 SURFAC® (surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation) projects. Removal of NAPL (LNAPL and DNAPL) utilizing our patented SURFAC® surfactant enhanced aquifer remediation process, which combines the elements of surfactant emplacement with dual phase multi phase extraction had provided a cost cutting, quick and effective remediation process for our many satisfied customers.
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