How does heat work as a method of remediating contaminated soils?
(Top) All thermal soil remediation methods focus on the chemical property of temperature associated with various contaminants. Typically, chemicals found in contaminated soils exist in the liquid phase at ambient temperatures and pressures. The key is to raise the temperature of the soil so as to cause a phase change in the contaminant(s) from liquid to vapor – i.e. boil off. Once the contaminants of concern are in the vapor phase they are more readily captured by a conventional vapor extraction system.
