Integrating biofiltration with SVE: A case study

An integrated soil vacuum extraction/ biofiltration system has been designed and installed at a gasoline‐contaminated leaking underground storage tank (LUST) site in southern Delaware. The system remediates contaminated moisture entrained in the air stream, employs automatic water level controls in the filters, and achieves maximum vapor extraction and VOC destruction efficiency with an optimum power input. In addition, the valving and piping layout allows the sequence of air flow through the filters to be reversed at given time intervals, which minimizes biofouling, thereby increasing efficiency by decreasing system backpressure. This integrated system achieves VOC destruction rates of up to 69%. The modular design allows for easy mobilization, setup, and demobilization at LUST sites throughout Delaware.