ENV-15-69 Wind-Driven Air Sparging Pilot Study

Description:

Trihydro Corporation (Trihydro) is performing a pilot study using wind power as a “green” groundwater remediation technology. The purpose of the pilot study is to remediate dissolved phase contamination at a former refinery as a boundary control. A set of windmills with pneumatic diaphragm pumps generate compressed air that is distributed to a series of air sparge wells. Typically used for pond aeration, windmills are relatively inexpensive and do not require utility connections. This technology provides quick and easy installation at remote locations. In comparison to conventional air sparge system blowers, windmill air generation rates are low; therefore, this remediation technology uses a system to store compressed air and deliver it to the subsurface in discrete pulses. Such pulsing is performed entirely with a series of pneumatically powered mechanical valves bypassing the need for complex electronic controls (e.g. a PLC) that require electrical power, batteries, solar panels, etc. In additional to optimizing other operational parameters, the pilot study will evaluate if pulsing air can overcome the potential shortcomings of the relatively low windmill air generation rate and achieve a radius of influence (ROI) comparable to conventional systems. Mechanical design considerations and preliminary field results are also provided.