A Performance and Cost Evaluation of EG&G's BIOCUBE(trademark) Aerobic Biofiltration System for the Destruction of Hydrocarbon Vapors from Fuel-Contaminated Soils,

Abstract

This document provides a performance and cost analysis for an aerobic biofiltration treatment system used to treat extracted petroleum hydrocarbon vapor from contaminated, unsaturated (vadose zone) soils. The Biocube(TM) Aerobic Biofiltration System manufactured by EG&G's Rotron Division in Saugerties, New York was evaluated by Parsons Engineering Science, Inc. (Parsons ES) at the Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), Florida, Base Exchange (BX) Service Station from 15 January through 26 February 1994. The system was evaluated in conjunction with an ongoing bioventing pilot test directed and funded by the Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence (AFCEE), Technology Transfer Division (ERT). The purpose of this test was to independently measure both the performance and the cost effectiveness of the Biocube(TM) system. A pilot test work plan was developed for testing and evaluating the EG&G Biocube(TM) Aerobic Biofiltration System at Patrick AFB. The primary objectives of the evaluation were: (1) To determine the effectiveness of the Biocube(TM) system at reducing concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in vapors extracted from the soil prior to release of the vapors into the atmosphere; (2) Determine the reliability and maintainability of the Biocube(TM) system; and (3) Estimate the cost of installing and operating the Biocube(TM). Secondary objectives included improving the sampling, analysis, and air flow adjustment process to achieve a more rapid Biocube(TM) system stabilization; and achieving removal rates of volatile hydrocarbons of greater than 90 percent for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and 75 percent for total volatile hydrocarbons (TVH) at a process-stream vapor flow rate of 50 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) or less. The evaluation of this system at the Patrick AFB BX service station site was disappointing.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA324072

Entities

People

  • D. C. Downey
  • S. R. Archabal

Organizations

  • Parsons Corporation

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acclimatization
  • Air Flow
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Costs
  • Efficiency
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Protection
  • Flow Rate
  • Groundwater
  • Measurement
  • Microorganisms
  • Monitoring
  • Standards
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Volatile Organic Compounds

Readers

  • Agricultural Chemistry/Soil Science
  • Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
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