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Bioslurping
Technology Overview
Bioslurping is the adaptation and application of vacuum-enhanced dewatering technology to the remediation of petroleum-contaminated sites. Bioslurping combines the two remedial approaches of bioventing and vacuum-enhanced free-product recovery. Bioventing stimulates the bioremediation of petroleum-contaminated soils in situ; vacuum-enhanced free-product recovery extracts light, nonaqueous-phase liquids (LNAPLs) from the capillary fringe and the water table.
Bioventing is the process of aerating subsurface soils through forced-air injection to stimulate in situ bioremediation. Application of bioventing has been tested in the AFCEE bioventing initiative. Vacuum-enhanced free-product recovery is a common pumping technique used in construction dewatering projects. Vacuum-enhanced pumping involves the application of negative pressure to a well point to increase the rate of flow of groundwater and soil gas into the wells. Bioslurping is related to bioventing and vacuum-enhanced pumping because it uses elements of both technologies.
Bioslurping treats two separate geologic media simultaneously. Bioslurping pumps are designed to extract free-phase fuel from the water table and to aerate vadose zone soils through soil gas vapor extraction. The bioslurper system withdraws groundwater, free product, and soil gas in the same process stream using a single pump. Groundwater is separated from the free product and is reated (when required) and discharged. Free product is recovered and can be recycled. Soil gas vapor is treated (when required) and discharged. Read this technology profile of bioslurping.
Protocols
Test Plan and Technical Protocol for Bioslurping (Draft, January 1995) (1.3MB)
This document describes recommended activities that should be conducted as part of a field treatability test for bioslurping to remove free-product hydrocarbons from the subsurface.
Engineering Evaluation and Cost Analysis for Bioslurper Initiative (March 1997) (1.3MB)
This report describes an engineering evaluation and cost analysis (EE/CA) comparing vacuum-enhanced free-product recovery (bioslurping) with traditional free-product recovery techniques to remove light, nonaqueous-phase liquid (LNAPL) from subsurface soils and aquifers. The EE/CA is a practical guide that describes, compares, and evaluates LNAPL recover technologies; documents a consistent feasibility study approach; provides straightforward engineering and economic criteria for technology selection and design; lowers the risk of early technology selection and streamlines the feasibility and conceptual design process.
Other Reports
Application Guide for Bioslurping - Principles and Practices of Bioslurping. Addendum: Use of Pre-pump Separation for Improved Bioslurper System Operation (ESTCP, 2003)
The purpose of the document is to provide remedial project managers and operators of multiphase extraction systems the ability to design and operate pre-pump separation systems to improve the operation of their recovery systems.
Results of a Multi-site Field Treatability Test for Bioslurping: A Comparison of LNAPL Rates Using Vacuum-Enhanced Recovery (Bioslurping), Passive Skimming, and Pump Drawdown Recovery Techniques (0.3MB)
This paper presents the results of field testing conducted under the Bioslurper Initiative. Test results using conventional and bioslurper technologies from ten sites are compared and discussed.
Source Reduction Effectiveness at Fuel-Contaminated Sites (February 2000) (1.25MB)
This study attempts to distinguish between the effects of natural attenuation and engineered source reduction by qualitatively and quantitatively comparing temporal trends in contaminant concentration both before and after initiation of engineered source reduction.
Use of Prepump Separation Technologies to Enhance Cost-Effectiveness of Bioslurper Systems Long-Term Demonstration (Final Report, June 2003)
This report discusses the demonstration and validation of two innovative prepump modifications to a conventional bioslurper system: an in-well "dual drop tube" extraction system and a modified aboveground knockout tank design. The modifications are meant to reduce O&M costs associated with simultaneous extraction of fuel with groundwater by a conventional system, which utilizes a single drop tube in-well vacuum extraction system without a prepump knockout tank.
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