Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid contaminants from a solid material is described. In a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical container having opening in its surface through which contaminants in a gaseous state may enter is filled with a cryo-adsorbing substance, for example, charcoal, and placed into a correspondingly-sized hole formed in the solid material from which the contaminants are to be removed. A cryogenic fluid, for example liquid nitrogen, is introduced into the container, preferably into a tube therein, thereby cooling the cryo-adsorbing substance so that molecules of contaminants are cryo-adsorbed from the solid material. After the adsorption of contaminants, the container is removed from the solid material and the cryo-adsorbing substance is regenerated, or regeneration is effected in situ. This invention has utility in the field of removing contaiminants, such as for example gasoline or other hazardous or toxic materials, from the ground.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing fluid contaminants from a solid material is described. In a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical container having openings in its surface through which contaminants in a gaseous state may enter is filled with cyro-adsorbing substances, for example, charcoal, and placed into a correspondingly-sized hole formed in the solid material from which the contaminants are to be removed. A cryogenic fluid, for example liquid nitrogen, is introduced into the container, thereby cooling the cyro-adsorbing substance so that molecules of contaminants are cyro-adsorbed from the solid material. After the adsorption of contaminants, the container is removed from the solid material and the cyro-adsorbing substance is regenerated, or regeneration is effected in situ. This invention has utility in the field of removing contaminants, such as for example gasoline or other harzardous or toxic materials, from the ground.