What Are Horizontal Remediation Systems?
Horizontal Remediation Systems are engineered systems designed to inject liquids/gases or apply vacuum through horizontal wells that are installed in the subsurface to remediate contamination plumes in situ.
Are Horizontal Remediation Systems Similar To Those Used With Vertical Wells?
Yes. The technologies are basically the same. For example, air sparging involves the creation and introduction of tiny air bubbles into the subsurface to enhance various types of remedial processes. Air sparging can be performed using Horizontal Remediation Systems and vertical systems. The difference is that these systems are typically larger than those used with vertical wells because the horizontal screens are usually much longer and in contact with significantly greater contaminated media surface area than vertical wells. This generally results in significantly more rapid site closure.
Do Horizontal Remediation Systems Involve Special Design Consideration?
The design and sizing of the remediation system must consider the typically higher flow rates required owing to the aforementioned longer well screens.
Are There Limitations On The Types of Technologies That Can Be Used?
No. The following technologies have been successfully used: Air Sparge/Soil Vapor Extraction, Biosparging, Bioslurping, In Situ Chemical Oxidation, Dual Phase Extraction, Six Phase Heating, Bioamedment Injection and Vapor Intrusion Mitigation. Basically, whatever technology can be used with a vertical installation can be successfully used.
Are There Cost Advantages With Horizontal Remediation Systems?
Yes, but each site obviously needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. That said, there are many instances where it is less expensive to install than vertical systems. This is especially true when surficial (or near surface) interconnecting piping is required to complete a vertical system in a high hazard area, such as a retail petroleum site.
Directional Technologies, Inc. has been installing horizontal remediation systems for over 20 years and is the nation’s expert horizontal remediation well drilling contractor. Please contact us at drilling@directionaltech.com or 203-294-9200 to learn more about our capabilities.