PULSED-JET GROUND PENETRATION FOR DELIVERY OF IN SITU BIOREMEDIATION AGENTS

In situ bioremediation would significantly reduce the costs and risks associatedwith the cleanup of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbon (CAH) solvent contaminationin the vadose zone and in groundwater. CAH remediation requires controlledaccess to the subsurface for delivery and mixing of a variety of chemical andbiological agents. Safe, cost-effective, and controlled access for CAHbioremediation is not provided by existing techniques such as well injection ormechanical mixing. Quest Integrated, Inc., propose to develop an ultrahigh-pressure pulsed-jet systsoils and fracturing the surrounding formation. This approach offers rapid,positive access to the contaminated zone by the microbes, substrates, andelectron-acceptors required by CAH cometabolic degradation in the vadose zone.Deployed in a borehole, the pulsed-jet system will greatly increase thepermeability of formations surrounding a wellpoint allowing implementation ofmethods to circulate and teat contaminated groundwater. The pulsed-jet techniqueprovides a flexible means of ground penetration and permeability enhancement thatwill enable a variety of CAH bioremediation schemes. This approach providesrapid low-cost access to the subsurface while minimizing the exposure of workersand the public to contaminants.