AutoTracker Reduces Remediation Cost per Gallon by 59%

AutoTracker™ (U.S. Patent Number 6,520,259) Floating Extraction Inlets were added to a DPE system at a remediation site in mid-Michigan following several years of operational problems caused by fluctuating water table levels. Installation was straightforward and system performance improved immediately, reducing on-site maintenance, labour and O&M costs and greatly improving groundwater recovery. Ongoing savings were so dramatic that payback for the initial capital cost was achieved in just four months. Projected over the project life cycle, cost savings should surpass $600,000, with an expected 10-year reduction in time to reach the remediation target.

Site Background Data:

• 12 well dual-phase extraction system
• 2-acre encapsulation and treatment cell
• Well depths: 20-40 feet bgs; static water level: 15-20 feet bgs
• 30,000 cubic yards of soils contaminated with chlorinated solvents
• 25 HP rotary lobe blower used
• Each well extracts 20-30 scfm of vapor at 10-13" Hg
• Recovered vapor & groundwater treated with vapor/liquid phase activated carbon

History Prior to AutoTracker Installation:

• System operated 1999-2001 with fixed entrainment tubes
• Water level changes caused by seasonal fluctuations and/or blower shutdown resulted in dry recovery, deadhead and liquid choking conditions
• O&M costs increased by need for frequent manual adjustment and maintenance
• Air/groundwater recovery rates decreased due to extensive system downtime

AutoTracker Performance:

• Floating Extraction Inlets installed summer 2002
• O&M costs reduced 20% due primarily to reduced labor
• Payback period less than 4 months
• Groundwater recovery rates nearly doubled
• Groundwater recovery cost per gallon reduced 59%
• Estimated project duration cut from 30 to 20 years
• Estimated life cycle cost savings: over $600,000