Vacuum is applied through extraction wells to create a pressure/concentration gradient that induces gas-phase volatiles to be removed from soil through extraction wells. This technology also is known as in situ soil venting, in situ volatilization, enhanced volatilization, or soil vacuum extraction. Vertical extraction vents are typically used at depths of 1.5 meters (5 feet) or greater and have been successfully applied as deep as 91 meters (300 feet).

Horizontal extraction vents (installed in trenches or horizontal borings) can be used as warranted by contaminant zone geometry, drill rig access, or other site-specific factors.
For the soil surface, geomembrane covers are often placed over soil surface to prevent short circuiting and to increase the radius of influence of the wells.

Applicability:

The target contaminant groups for in situ SVE are VOCs and some fuels. Exhaust air from in situ SVE system may require treatment to eliminate possible harm to the public and the environment.
Exhaust air containing VOC can be treated in an oxidizer to oxidize the VOC. The oxidizer can be with or wirhout a heat exchanger, the oxidizer can also be provided with catalyst to reduce the cost of operation. Preliminary quotes for small volume oxidizer for soil remediation are available on request.