Soil Vapor Extractions
Horizontal Remediation Well Pilot Test at JFK Airport, NY
This project was the stepping-stone that literally created the horizontal remediation industry. An environmental consultant needed an experienced directional driller with a creative and educated approach to conduit installation. This pilot test would be the basis to install over 40,000' of horizontal remediation wells. It was crucial that the directional driller chosen be able to contribute his experience and knowledge to the project to insure the pilot test achieved the correct pitch, depth, and radius in challenging site conditions.
Directional Technologies, Inc. rose to the challenge and installed three 200 feet horizontal wells at depths of 6, 10, and 14 feet. The wells were installed at a busy airport terminal with major instrumental interference from reinforced concrete and from other equipment in the area. The pilot tests were a success and the full-scale soil vapor extraction and air sparge system is still used today. This project is frequently used as the primary horizontal remediation case study.
Horizontal Liquid Ring Extraction Well under a vehicle maintenance facility
A horizontal liquid ring extraction well was installed under a busy vehicle maintenance facility. The environmental consultant worked closely with Directional Technologies, Inc. to design unique well placement on a property that demanded a discrete remediation approach. DTI also provided the design to reduce the amount of silt that was being pulled into the horizontal well and subsequent procedures to maintain the maximum efficiency of this horizontal well.
Horizontal Wells under an active manufacturing facility
The experienced directional drilling crew drilled and installed 3 SVE wells, two blind wells and one continuous well. During this project, Directional Technologies, Inc. worked with the drilling fluid additives manufacturer to field test prototype directional drilling mud specifically designed for horizontal remediation wells. Blind wells, horizontal wells without an exit point, are typically more difficult to install and these wells proved to be extremely challenging due to the site and soil conditions. The crews were in constant communication with the busy manufacturing facility on site to prevent any disruption to the factory while directional drilling activities proceeded. The crew also overcame challenges presented by manufacturing equipment inside the facility that interfered with the signal needed for the directional tracking instrumentation to function. Despite these challenges, the installation of the horizontal wells was successful.
Horizontal Wells at Aberdeen Proving Grounds
Directional Technologies, Inc. drilled, installed, and developed one air sparge well 15 feet in depth next to a former gas station site. The crew installed the horizontal well in three days despite very limited and confined space at the site. The entire length of the well was swept for unexploded ordinances prior to well installation. Directional Technologies, Inc. conferred with environmental consultants on how to use existing wells to reach a new hot spot.
Project Results: The site achieved closure but was reopened after discovering an unknown "hot spot". The system operated for approximately two years.