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: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for extracting contaminants from the ground using a vacuum extraction process. Specifically, the invention discloses a circuit that can control the flow of atmospheric air into a vacuum extraction well. By controlling the air flow into the well, the air flow circuit serves to regulate the vacuum that is applied to sub-surface contaminants. This vacuum lifts the contaminated effluent from the ground, so it can be subjected to further processing.

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 and apparatus for removing contaminants from a contaminated area of the ground, the ground having a plurality of paths of preferential flow at different depths, which process comprises providing a borehole in the contaminated area to intersect at least a first path of preferential flow and a second path of preferential flow; placing in the borehole a first vacuum extraction pipe having a bottom opening situated within the first path of preferential flow and a second vacuum extraction pipe having a bottom opening situated within the second path of preferential flow; isolating the first path of preferential flow from the second path of preferential flow so that a vacuum applied to the first vacuum extraction pipe will extract gases and liquids from only the first path of preferential flow, and a vacuum applied to the second vacuum extraction pipe will extract gases and liquids from only the second path of preferential flow; applying a vacuum to at least one of the vacuum extraction pipes

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting contaminants from a stream comprising a contaminant-containing mixture of liquids and gases which comprises: (a) a contaminant-containing mixture input; (b) a vapor-liquid separator receiving the contaminant-containing mixture from the input and producing a liquid component stream at a first outlet and a gaseous component at a second outlet; (c) an optional first contaminant removal system receiving the liquid component stream from the vapor-liquid separator and producing a contaminant-free liquid stream; (d) a vacuum inducing device in fluid communication with the contaminant-containing mixture input and the vapor-liquid separator and receiving said gaseous component from the vapor-liquid separator; (e) a cooling element receiving the gaseous component at a first temperature from the vacuum inducing device and producing the gaseous component at a second temperature from a first outlet and a condensed liquid component from a second outlet, said second temperature being lower than said

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

Abstract: A process for two phase vacuum extraction of contaminants from the ground involves vacuum withdrawal of liquid and gaseous phases as a common stream, separation of the liquid and gaseous phases, and subsequent treatment of the separated liquid and gases to produce clean effluents. Two phase vacuum extraction employs a single vacuum generating device to remove contaminants in both the liquid stream and soil gases through a single well casing.

Abstract: A process for two phase vacuum extraction of contaminants from the ground involves vacuum withdrawal of liquid and gaseous phases as a common stream, separation of the liquid and gaseous phases, and subsequent treatment of the separated liquid and gases to produce clean effluents. Two phase vacuum extraction employs a single vacuum generating device to remove contaminants in both the liquid stream and soil gases through a single well casing.