Abstract: A method and apparatus for sustaining optimum fluid entrainment conditions in a contaminant extraction well is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention includes a central controller which communicates with a pressure detector and an aspiration control source that are connected to a contaminant extraction well. The central controller causes aspiration air to flow into or out of the extraction well based upon the vacuum level that has been measured by the pressure detector. This system enables the vacuum to be maintained at a predetermined level, and allows the well to operate as changes occur in the groundwater content of the area in which the well is operating.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for transforming volatile compounds from the liquid to vapor phase is disclosed. Specifically, a method and apparatus for transforming liquid phase soil contaminants to vapor phase contaminants through application of a vacuum is disclosed. A method and apparatus for connecting two or more phase transforming apparatus'is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing contaminants from a contaminated area of the subsurface which comprises providing a borehole in the contaminated area; placing in the borehole a perforated riser pipe inside of which is situated a vacuum extraction pipe with an opening situated within the perforated riser pipe, wherein a packing is situated in a portion of the annular space between the vacuum extraction pipe and the perforated riser pipe; applying a vacuum to the vacuum extraction pipe to draw gases and liquid from the subsurface into the perforated riser pipe below the packing and from the riser pipe into the vacuum extraction pipe and transport both the gases and the liquid to the surface as a common stream; forming from the common stream a stream which is primarily liquid and a stream which is primarily gaseous; and removing contaminants from at least one of the liquid stream and the gaseous stream. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the disclosed process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for removing contaminants from a contaminated area of the ground having a vadose zone and a water table, which comprises providing a borehole in the contaminated area to a depth below the water table; placing in the borehole to a depth below the water table a first perforated riser pipe; placing inside the first perforated riser pipe a second perforated riser pipe; placing inside the second perforated riser pipe a first vacuum extraction pipe with a bottom opening situated within the second perforated riser pipe; placing a second vacuum extraction pipe within the first perforated riser pipe but without the second perforated riser pipe; while introducing a gas into the second perforated riser pipe, applying a vacuum to the first vacuum extraction pipe and applying a vacuum to the second vacuum extraction pipe to draw gases and liquid from the soil into the first vacuum extraction pipe and the second vacuum extraction pipe and transport both gases and liquid to the surface as two-phase co

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and apparatus in which vacuum extraction is used to remove soil contaminants in both the saturated and vadose zones.