Abstract: This described invention related generally to thermal desorption systems. In one example embodiment, to methods, apparatus, and systems to a soil box design of thermal desorption system, wherein the soil box realizes a design for efficient heating and removing of containments such as hydrocarbons from contaminated soil by minimizing a distance between a point of treatment gas insertion and another point of treatment gas exit.

Abstract: Active or closed feedback/feed forward loop controls may be used to improve operation of a thermal desorption process. Characteristics of the thermal desorption process may be monitored, e.g., carbon monoxide concentration, and then may be used to predict the end point of the thermal desorption process. Inputs and effluent treatment elements may also be modulated to further optimize the treatment time and quality (completeness) and to avoid any unwanted effects associated with excess processing. Post-treatment gas comprising non-condensed condensable hydrocarbon contaminants may be recycled as pre-treatment gas or used to heat fresh air. Mean free paths of the exhaust gas exiting a thermal desorption chamber are restricted to limit the flame propagation and explosion fronts. Temperature and concentration of flammable elements may be monitored and controlled to prevent explosion hazards. An isolation valve and a pressure relief chimney may also be coupled to the exhaust of the thermal desorption chamber.

Abstract: Active or closed loop controls can be used to improve the operation of a thermal desorption process. Characteristics of the thermal desorption process can be monitored, and then can be used to predict the end point of the thermal desorption process. Inputs and effluent treatment elements can also be modulated to further optimize the treatment time and quality (completeness) and to avoid any unwanted effects associated with excess processing.