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Geosafe Corporation In Situ Vitrification

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Geosafe Corporation In Situ Vitrification (2.62Mb)


In Situ Vitrification Geosafe Corporation

Abstract

Geosafe Corporation's In Situ Vitrification process uses electricity to heat and vitrify soil, sludge, sediment, and mine tailings contaminated with organic/inorganic compounds in situ, as well as treat gases in an off-gas treatment site. Electric current is supplied to four graphite electrodes that are inserted into the contaminated soil down to the desired treatment depth. The treatment area is then covered by a vented hood (~60 feet in diameter) for gas collection. Organic components are pyrolized due to heat and off-gas is collected in the hood for treatment. Off-gas treatment involves processing through a quencher, scrubber, demister, HEPA filters for particulates, and activated carbon prior to releasing to the atmosphere. The electric current is discontinued once the treatment area becomes molten and the soil becomes a crystalline vitrified material after cooling. This technology was demonstrated on cell 8 at the Parsons Chemical Site, Grand Ledge, Michigan. The site was contaminated with low levels of pesticides and Mercury and the demonstration was completed in ten days treating ~330 yd3 of soil with a power supply of ~613,000 kWh. This technology met the site-specific cleanup levels for pesticides and mercury as well as TCLP criteria. The stack gas sampling yielded non-detectable levels of target pesticides. Metal emissions were below regulatory requirements, and total hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels fell within compliance. The scrubber water contained partially oxidized semi-volatile organics and required secondary treatment prior to ultimate disposal.


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Posted July 12, 1999

 

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