U.S. EPA Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Program
Batch Steam Distillation and Metal Extraction
IT Corporation

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 Batch Steam Distillation and Metal Extraction, IT Corporation (35KB)

Abstract

The batch steam distillation and metal extraction treatment process is a two-stage system using conventional readily available process equipment. Hazardous materials are separated from soils as concentrates, which are then disposed or recycled. Treated soil can be returned to the site. The soil is slurried at 100^oC and the resulting vapors are condensed. Water is recycled through the system after the soluble organics are removed. In the metal extraction step, the soil slurry is washed with hydrochloric acid. Subsequent countercurrent washing with water removes residual acid from the soil. The solids are then separated from the final wash solution by gravimetric sedimentation. This process can be applied to soils and sludges contaminated with organics, inorganics, and heavy metals. Three pilot-scale tests have been completed on three soils, for a total of nine tests. Removal rates for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene were greater than 99 percent; removal rates for chlorinated solvents ranged from 97 to 99 percent. One acid extraction and 2 water washes resulted in a 95 percent removal rate for heavy metals.

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Posted October 1, 1999

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