초록 ▼

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or abs

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or absence of selected contaminants. A low pressure sink is provided to ensure proper flow of volatiles rapidly to the surface and to prevent contamination of adjacent soil blocks or cylinders during treatment.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for liberating volatile contaminants from soil without contaminating the ambient atmosphere comprising: (a) cutter means mounted on a rotary stem for agitating a block of soil having an exposed surface in situ; (b) means for heating said block of soil at a first elevation therein during sa

Apparatus for liberating volatile contaminants from soil without contaminating the ambient atmosphere comprising: (a) cutter means mounted on a rotary stem for agitating a block of soil having an exposed surface in situ; (b) means for heating said block of soil at a first elevation therein during said agitation including fluid injection means mounted on said stem for injecting heated fluid into said block of soil at said first elevation; (c) means for sealing off said exposed surface of said block to prevent escape to atmosphere of gases or vapors generated during said agitation and heating; (d) means for withdrawing said gases or vapors from a second elevation above said first elevation of said block; and (e) annulus cutter means mounted on said stem and extending between said first elevation and said second elevation for cutting a continuous passageway extending between said first elevation and said second elevation for conducting said gases and vapors from said first elevation in said block to said means for withdrawing said gases or vapors. Method of analyzing soil in situ to determine contaminants therein comprising the steps of: (a) agitating a block of soil in situ; (b) injecting heated fluid into said block of soil during agitation thereof to liberate volatile contaminants at a first elevation therein; (c) continuously, during said agitation, creating a passageway for gases or vapors in said block of soil, said passageway extending from said first elevation to a second elevation thereabove; (d) withdrawing gases or vapors from said block of soil at said second elevation above said first elevation; and (e) analyzing said withdrawn gases and vapors in real time to determine the composition thereof.