Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for mining lunar and Martian polar permafrost to extract gas propellants. The method can comprise identifying a plurality of near-polar landing sites in craters in which the surface comprises permafrost in perpetual darkness, wherein such landing sites have perpetual sunlight available at altitudes of about 100 to 200 m. A mining outpost can be established in at least one of the sites and a high altitude solar array deployed at the landing site using a lightweight mast tall enough to generate near continuous power for the outpost. Systems and apparatus are disclosed for mining the permafrost at the landing sites using radiant gas dynamic mining procedures. The systems can comprise a rover vehicle with an integrated large area dome for cryotrapping gases released from the surface and multi-wavelength radiant heating systems to provide adjustable heating as a function of depth.

Abstract: Soil contamination by heavy metals constitutes an important environmental problem, whereas field applicability of existing remediation technologies has encountered numerous obstacles, such as long operation time, high chemical cost, large energy consumption, secondary pollution, and soil degradation. A design and demonstration of a method is provided which is based on asymmetrical alternating current electrochemistry (AACE) that achieves high degrees of contaminant removal for different heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd) at different initial concentrations (from 100 to 10,000 ppm), all reaching corresponding regulation levels for residential scenario after rational treatment time (from 30 min to 6 h). No excessive nutrient loss in treated soil was observed and no secondary toxic product was produced. Long-term experiment and plant assay showed the high sustainability of the method and its feasibility for agricultural use.

Abstract: A method for remediating contaminated soil and groundwater includes selecting a treatment material and creating a smolderable mixture of a contaminant, the treatment material, and soil.

Abstract: A method for remediating a contaminated porous matrix including selecting the type and quantity of organic fuel to create a smolderable mixture of the organic fuel and contaminated porous matrix, and controlling the rate of oxidant addition to manipulate the relative proportions of oxidative breakdown products, non-oxidative breakdown products, and non-destructive remediation processes. The method further involves collecting the volatilized contaminant, and any gaseous breakdown products of the contaminant.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for mining lunar and Martian polar permafrost to extract gas propellants. The method can comprise identifying a plurality of near-polar landing sites in craters in which the surface comprises permafrost in perpetual darkness, wherein such landing sites have perpetual sunlight available at altitudes of about 100 to 200 m. A mining outpost can be established in at least one of the sites and a high altitude solar array deployed at the landing site using a lightweight mast tall enough to generate near continuous power for the outpost. Systems and apparatus are disclosed for mining the permafrost at the landing sites using radiant gas dynamic mining procedures. The systems can comprise a rover vehicle with an integrated large area dome for cryotrapping gases released from the surface and multi-wavelength radiant heating systems to provide adjustable heating as a function of depth.

Abstract: A method for remediating contaminated soil and groundwater includes selecting a treatment material and creating a smolderable mixture of a contaminant, the treatment material, and soil.

Abstract: A method destroys organic liquid contaminants contained in a plurality of below-ground volumes by smoldering combustion. The method applies heat to at least a portion of a first one of the volumes of organic liquid and forces oxidant into the first volume of organic liquid so as to initiate self-sustaining smoldering combustion of the first volume of organic liquid. The method may terminate the heat applied to the first volume of organic liquid. Next, the method modulates the flow of the oxidant into the first volume of organic liquid so as to cause at least a portion of the first volume of organic liquid to migrate and come into contact with another one of the volumes of organic liquid, so as to propagate the smoldering combustion. In an alternative embodiment, the flow of the oxidant may be modulated to establish a substantially stationary combustion front.

Abstract: Soil remediation systems containing at least one heating device configured to heat contaminated soil for remediation and at least one storage tank configured to contain an ionic liquid are described. The soil contaminated by a volatile compound is heated by the heating device to vaporize the volatile compound, which is trapped by the ionic liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system of uniform vapor pathways for soil evaporative desorption. In one embodiment, a batch of contaminated soil is placed inside a treatment compartment through a hopper. The contaminated soil is moved across an inner length of the treatment compartment. As the contaminated soil moves toward a far end of the treatment compartment, planes surrounding the contaminated soil vibrates to facilitate mixing and loosening of the contaminated soil, thereby creating uniform vapor pathways around the surface and within the contaminated soil. A plurality of helical stem auger comprising helical flights may rotate to further mix and loosen the contaminated soil. Heat is applied to the contaminated soil to desorb contaminates within the soil. A vapor extraction line within a core of the hollow stem auger suctions vaporized contaminates out of the treatment compartment and into a reclamation system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system of high resolution modular heating for soil evaporative desorption. In one embodiment, a soil box comprising contaminated soil is mounted within a treatment chamber. Heated gas are directed into the soil box through a plurality of injection ports. A heat front from the heated gas desorbs the surrounding contaminated soil. The delivery of the heated gas may be in sections and independently controlled among the plurality of injection ports. A bottom section of the soil box is heated prior to a top section to minimize or reduce condensation formation within lower areas of the soil box, thereby creating roadways of desiccated, heated, and/or cracked soil at the bottom section. Vaporized contaminants from the top section is able to flow freely through the roadways to get to an exit pathway at the bottom of the soil box.

Abstract: Contaminate soil can be treated using inductive energy. An inductive generator can generate inductive power to heat inductively heatable elements disposed in the contaminate soil or in a soil box. Input treatment gas can pass through the heated soil to remove contaminants in the soil to the exhaust. The inductively heatable elements can be placed in a mesh conduit, which can heat the input treatment gas.

Abstract: Contaminated soil can be in-situ cleaned without an excavation process. Heated gas can be injected to the contaminated soil to heat the soil for vaporizing the contaminants. Vacuum extraction can be used for extracting the volatile contaminants. Cool air can be injected to the cleaned soil to prevent total organic carbon degradation.

Abstract: An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

Abstract: A thermal conductive heating and desorption system is disclosed, which provides superior results to other systems for the removal of pollutants from soil, groundwater and other affected medias using a novel enhanced gas fired recuperative heater and oxidation system. Pollutants in the affected, heated media are partially destroyed by hydrolysis, pyrolysis and/or oxidation processes. Remaining pollutants are extracted from the affected media, and pollutant off gas is then introduced into the heater system where it is both thermally and catalytically oxidized. Heat from combusted fuel and pollutant off gas in the heater system is used to preheat incoming combustion air through a recuperative heat exchanger, enabling significant reductions in fuel usage by the heater system. Combusted fuel and off gas discharged from the heater system may be further treated to achieve specified discharge standards.

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.

Abstract: A remediation processor for extracting volatiles from contaminated material includes at least a first set of augers stacked above a second set of augers wherein each set of augers can include at least two counter-rotating side-by-side augers to upwardly churn contaminated material. A burner provides heated air that is forced along an airflow path over the sets of augers. The contaminated material is conveyed along the sets of augers flows in a direction counted to the airflow path of the heated air.

Abstract: An articulating conduit linkage system for maintaining a fluid connection between a fluid source and displaceable conduit that has been buried in a subsiding permeable body. A fluid source can supply a working fluid through a source outlet. A displaceable conduit can receive the working fluid through a conduit inlet, and be buried at a depth within a subsiding permeable body that is contained within a permeability control infrastructure. A plurality of articulating conduit segments can include, an outer conduit segment coupled to the source outlet, an inner conduit segment coupled to the conduit inlet, and at least one middle conduit segment coupled to the outer and inner segments. In the event of a subsidence, the plurality of articulating conduit segments are configured so the outer and inner conduit segments extend the conduit linkage system while maintaining a working fluid connection between the source outlet and the conduit inlet.

Abstract: Treating an immediate exhaust of a thermal desorption chamber can improve the safety of the treatment process, such as reducing potential explosion or flammability when treating highly contaminated soil. Mean free paths of the exhaust gas exiting a thermal desorption chamber are restricted to limit the flame propagation and explosion fronts. For example, a section of the gas exhaust conduit can be filled with a porous media, which can assist in reducing or eliminating the potential explosion hazard in the conduit. Temperature and concentration of flammable elements can be monitored and controlled to prevent explosion hazards. An isolation valve and a pressure relief chimney can also be coupled to the exhaust of the thermal desorption chamber.

Abstract: Simple flow path with minimum turns for the vapor extraction flow paths can provide maximum air flow with minimal head loss, leading to higher efficiency in a thermal desorption process. Hot air vapor extraction arrangement can include large diameter vertical or horizontal trunk line or curved plate with continuous wire wrap well screens. The vapor extraction trunk can draw all vapors to the center of the soil box, which can reduce the treatment time by substantially removing condensation zone. The interior of the vapor extraction well screen and trunk can include porous material, which can reduce dust within the vapor stream, eliminate potential short circuiting in the event of a screen rupture and reduce potential explosion hazards.

Abstract: A containment chamber is constructed by excavating a pit at the site of oil-contaminated sand and lining the pit with an impermeable, heat-resistant, flexible plastic liner. An array of spaced apart heating assemblies is positioned to cover the bottom of the chamber. Each heating assembly may include an elongate linear electric resistance heater positioned within a tubular slotted sand screen. The containment chamber is filled with a charge of contaminated sand. Solvent, such as diesel fuel, is pumped into the elongate passageways defined between the heaters and screens. The heaters are actuated to vaporize the solvent, which moves through the screen slots and convectively permeates the charge. The vapor transfers heat to the oily sand and condenses. Condensed solvent and heated oil drain and are recovered from the chamber.

Abstract: A process for the remediation of contaminated particulate materials by the addition of an environmentally benign, carbonaceous fuel source in low concentration to enable or enhance smoldering combustion. The process may be applied to both in situ and ex situ treatments. In an ex situ smoldering process for the remediation of contaminated particulate materials in a continuous manner, contaminated feed is introduced near the top of a treatment unit and treated product emerges near the bottom. A smoldering front is maintained in the unit, fed by the fuel in the contaminated particulate material and a supply of combustion-supporting gas, such as air.

Abstract: Systems for treating contaminated soil are described herein. One system includes a soil chamber that includes one or more walls and at least one floor; at least one heater attached to or inside of at least one of the walls; and at least one heater coupled to or in the floor. Two or more of the walls enclose an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls is configured to move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber. At least one wall heater and at least one floor heater provide heat that transfers from the heaters to the contaminated soil in the soil chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for sterilizing seed beds in soil. The apparatus is comprised of at least one hot water injecting chamber defined by a pair of spaced-apart side walls secured to one another and defining therebetween a passage. A plurality of jet holes are provided in an inner surface of each of the side walls and facing the direction of the passage. The jet holes communicate with a manifold associated with each side wall which is connected to a supply of pressurized hot water. Each of the side walls is configured to penetrate into the soil in at least a lower region thereof whereby to inject into the soil in the passage between the pair of plates the pressurized hot water as the hot water injecting chamber is displaced in the soil.

Abstract: An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

Abstract: Systems for treating contaminated soil are described herein. One system includes a soil chamber that includes one or more walls and at least one floor; at least one heater attached to or inside of at least one of the walls; and at least one heater coupled to or in the floor. Two or more of the walls enclose an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls is configured to move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber. At least one wall heater and at least one floor heater provide heat that transfers from the heaters to the contaminated soil in the soil chamber.

Abstract: A method of preventing egress of a vapor from an encapsulated volume can include forming a substantially impermeable vapor barrier along an inner surface of the encapsulated volume. The encapsulated volume includes a permeable body of comminuted hydro carbonaceous material. Further, the vapor barrier can include an insulating layer capable of maintaining a temperature gradient of at least 400° F. across the insulating layer. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to liberate hydrocarbons therefrom and the hydrocarbons can be collected from the permeable body. The vapor barrier layer can be a single or multiple layer construction, depending on the specific materials chosen.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. Hydrocarbon products can be collected from intermediate locations within the permeable body. Advantageously, an intermediate fluid collection system can be used to draw a hydrocarbon product from the permeable body at preselected locations. Such intermediate collection can provide hydrocarbon product fractions which can reduce or eliminate the need for full-scale distillation of a hydrocarbon product having a full range of products such as that typically found in crude oil.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating and removal of hydrocarbons and subsequent thereto a positive pressure can be maintained within the encapsulated volume by means of a non-oxidizing gas to expedite flushing of hydrocarbonaceous material, inhibit unwanted entry of oxygen into the encapsulated volume and remove recoverable hydrocarbons following the heating process.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating contaminated soil. The method includes providing contaminated soil in a soil chamber that has at least one wall, and at least one floor, at least one heater coupled to or inside of at least one of the walls and at least one substantially elongated floor heater coupled to or in the floor. At least one of the walls at least partially includes a thermally conductive material configured to transfer heat from at least one of the heaters to an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls at least partially encloses an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls can move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber unencumbered by piping located within the soil volume.

Abstract: Soil remediation systems containing at least one heating device configured to heat contaminated soil for remediation and at least one storage tank configured to contain an ionic liquid are described. The soil contaminated by a volatile compound is heated by the heating device to vaporize the volatile compound, which is trapped by the ionic liquid.

Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment, which defines a substantially encapsulated volume. The infrastructure can also include a comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material within the encapsulated volume. The comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The infrastructure can further include at least one convection driving conduit oriented in a lower portion of the permeable body to generate bulk convective flow patterns throughout the permeable body. An associated method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure, which defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for treating ground pearl in infested soil. An apparatus including a plurality of vertically oriented probes having steam outlets in communication with a common source of steam is provided. The probes are arrayed in a plurality of parallel rows with each row including a plurality of probes. The probes are inserted into the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches, and steam is injected through the probes and out of the steam outlets to contact the ground pearl, where all of the soil between said probes is heated to a temperature at least sufficient to kill ground pearl. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a means for injecting high pressure water or other penetrating fluid into the soil beneath the probes to form holes into which the probes are inserted.

Abstract: A containment chamber is constructed by excavating a pit at the site of oil-contaminated sand and lining the pit with an impermeable, heat-resistant, flexible plastic liner. An array of spaced apart heating assemblies is positioned to cover the bottom of the chamber. Each heating assembly may include an elongate linear electric resistance heater positioned within a tubular slotted sand screen. The containment chamber is filled with a charge of contaminated sand. Solvent, such as diesel fuel, is pumped into the elongate passageways defined between the heaters and screens. The heaters are actuated to vaporize the solvent, which moves through the screen slots and convectively permeates the charge. The vapor transfers heat to the oily sand and condenses. Condensed solvent and heated oil drain and are recovered from the chamber.

Abstract: A resource recovery system includes a capture container located at a desired surface defining a capture volume between the surface and an interior of the capture container. One or more hole-making devices are configured to excavate soil from at least one hole in the surface. One or more energy emitters direct energy toward the excavated soil to heat the excavated soil thereby releasing one or more compounds. The capture container is configured to capture gas and/or liquid compounds released from the excavated soil. A method of resource extraction from soil includes covering a desired surface with a capture container defining a capture volume between the desired surface and an interior of the capture container. Soil is excavated from a hole in the desired surface into the capture volume. The excavated soil is heated via one or more energy emitters thereby releasing one or more compounds into the capture volume.

Abstract: A method for remediating land contaminated by a combustible material, in particular, land contaminated with non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), which includes the steps of locating a subterranean volume of combustible material such as a DNAPL in land to be remediated, and igniting the combustible material to combust the material and thereby remediate the land. By monitoring combustion of the material, combustion may be optimised by, for example, supplying an oxidant or a combustion suppressant.

Abstract: A constructed permeability control infrastructure can include a permeability control impoundment defining a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can form a permeable body within the encapsulated volume. The impoundment includes a water vapor outlet for removing water vapor from the encapsulated volume. A heating device is also embedded within the permeable body to provide convective heating thereof. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via the outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can then be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure.

Abstract: An emissions recycling system is used on a vehicle towing an agricultural implement to enrich the fertility of the soil. The system includes an exhaust collector for collecting exhaust emissions from the internal combustion engine of the towing vehicle and an exhaust distribution system for injecting at least a portion of the exhaust emissions collected by the exhaust collector into the ground worked by the ground working tools of the agricultural implement. Fertility of the soil is enriched by bioactivity within the soil's micro flora which consumes the greenhouse gas and emissions.

Abstract: A system and method for remediation of contaminated soil are provided. The system comprises a soil remediation cell of contaminated soil and a plurality of multi-functional conduits located within the contaminated soil. Each multi-functional conduit defines a reaction housing. The multi-functional conduits includes heating elements for introducing heat into the contaminated soil for volatilizing the contaminants located within the contaminated soil, without utilizing mechanically driven forced air. This produces a contaminated vapor. The system and allows for re-circulation of vapors generated during breakdown of contaminants allowing for use of the re-circulated vapor for heat production and energy use. The system may be utilized for remote access and portability to disparate locations whereby the system does not require use of a container or receptacle. A substantial portion of the contaminants in the contaminated vapor are destroyed in the reaction housing.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating contaminated soil. The method includes providing contaminated soil in a soil chamber that has at least one wall, and at least one floor, at least one heater coupled to or inside of at least one of the walls and at least one substantially elongated floor heater coupled to or in the floor. At least one of the walls at least partially includes a thermally conductive material configured to transfer heat from at least one of the heaters to an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls at least partially encloses an interior of the soil chamber. At least one of the walls can move between a closed position during heating of the soil chamber, and an open position that allows a soil moving vehicle to access an interior of the soil chamber to provide or remove soil to and from the soil chamber unencumbered by piping located within the soil volume.

Abstract: A method of recovering hydrocarbons from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for exothermal treatment and recovery of masses comprising: urban solid waste (USW—), including differentiated and non-differentiated damp waste and non-differentiated waste of vegetable origin; sludge generated by industrial and non-industrial water treatment; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue coming from industrial, agricultural and food-processing operations; soils and inert materials contaminated by organic matrices; solid, semi-solid, pasty residue and/or sludge residue of hydrocarbon compounds, including asphalt and organic-chemical compounds; contaminating animal excrements, such as those of poultry and/or swine. In particular, said process envisages the use of an exothermal reaction produced by mixing the mass to be treated with a mixture of calcium oxides (CaO) and/or calcium hydroxides Ca(OH)2, in the presence of an inert catalyst moistened with water, in the absence of oxygen using the charcoal-pile technique.

Abstract: A soil venting system driven by air thermal property is developed to deaf with tow concentration gaseous hazard materials in unsaturated zone of soil. A process utilizes the thermal driven soil venting system to create air gradient in the unsaturated zone of soil and force the gaseous hazard materials out the contaminated soil.

Abstract: A method for remediating land contaminated by a combustible material, in particular, land contaminated with non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs), which includes the steps of locating a subterranean volume of combustible material such as a DNAPL in land to be remediated, and igniting the combustible material to combust the material and thereby remediate the land. By monitoring combustion of the material, combustion may be optimised by, for example, supplying an oxidant or a combustion suppressant.

Abstract: Method of remediating a soil contaminated by polyhalogenated hydrocarbons, in particular PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs, comprising the steps of removing and sieving the soil to free it of stones and gravel; possibly regulating the moisture content of the sieved soil to a value of 10-30%; subjecting the sieved soil to thermal treatment while it flows in the form of a thin, turbulent, dynamic layer in contact with a wall heated to at least 250° C.; separating the thermally treated soil from the steam generated following such treatment, the soil being substantially free of the aforementioned polyhalogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A system and method for remediation of contaminated soil are provided. The system comprises a soil remediation cell of contaminated soil and a plurality of multi-functional conduits located within the contaminated soil. Each multi-functional conduit defines a reaction housing. The multi-functional conduits includes heating elements for introducing heat into the contaminated soil for volatilizing the contaminants located within the contaminated soil, without utilizing mechanically driven forced air. This 10 produces a contaminated vapor. Flow channels extending therethrough remove the contaminated vapor from within the soil remediation cell. A substantial portion of the contaminants in the contaminated vapor are destroyed in the reaction housing. A substantially non-contaminated vapor is produced in which at least about 80% by weight of the contaminants have been destroyed.

Abstract: An efficient high-temperature water vapor generator is used to heat heavy oil located in an underground cavity, thereby reducing the viscosity of the oil and enabling the oil to be pumped to the surface. The vapor generator includes a combustion chamber and a surrounding structure, wherein a cavity is located therebetween. Water is routed through the cavity and into the combustion chamber, where water vapor and heat are generated in the presence of fuel, ignition and air. The generated heat pre-heats the water in the cavity, thereby creating an efficient system. The water vapor is forced into the underground cavity, thereby heating the oil located in the cavity.

Abstract: A system, method, and devices for remediating soil of an area of land. The devices are partially inserted into the soil within the area. The devices have vent holes fluidically coupling each device to the soil. A hot fluid is circulated through the devices to heat the soil in the area to a temperature sufficient to cause a transformation in the soil. The transformation may transform an environmental contaminant in the soil such that a gas is generated from the transformation, and the gas is sucked from the soil into the devices via the vent holes and the out of the devices away from the soil. The transformation may cause a bioremediation of an environmental contaminant in the soil such that a product is generated from the bioremediation, and a bioremediation fluid is injected into the devices and into the soil via the vent holes to facilitate the bioremediation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for energy efficient remediation of soil contaminated with hydrocarbons, including desorbing the hydrocarbon contaminants from a bed of the soil by thermal desorption in a treated desorption chamber (20) and thereafter combusting the contaminants in a thermal oxidiser (30). The combustion air for the desorption chamber and the thermal oxidiser, and the desorbed contaminants prior to admission to said thermal oxidiser, are preheated by heat exchange (40) with offgases from the thermal oxidiser. The offgases are then rapidly quenched at below 200° C.

Abstract: A method is provided to remove contaminants from contaminated soil. The method may include withdrawing vapors from a vapor extraction well, estimating the amount of water vapor removed from the contaminated soil in the vapors being withdrawn from the vapor extraction well, and applying heat to the contaminated soil from a plurality of heater wells at a rate not greater than that which would vaporize the estimated amount of water vapor. The permeability of the soil may thereby increase by the application of heat. Six or more heat injection wells may be provided for each vapor extraction well, and the heat injection wells may be placed and energized in a regular pattern around the vapor extraction well, which may include multiple rings of heaters around each vapor extraction well.

Abstract: A preferred method of soil remediation in which contaminant organic compounds are removed from soil by a sequential process in which the bulk of natural and contaminant organic compounds are stripped from the soil by hot air injection, followed by applying a strong oxidizing agent, preferably a permanganate, to reduce residual organic contaminant concentration to acceptable levels. Hot air is injected into the soil as it is being churned by the soil mixing device, preferably a chain trencher, to strip off organic compounds. The vapors may be collected through a vacuum hood disposed over the soil mixing device. When the thermal stripping has reduced the bulk hydrocarbon content of the soil (and thus reduced the oxidant demand), an effective amount of permanganate or other strong oxidizing agent is mixed into the soil to reduce the residual organic contaminants. Hot air can also be injected into the soil as or after the oxidizing agent is introduced to accelerate the oxidation rate.