Innovative Solutions for On-Site Soil Remediation

Jentek systems have been designed to meet or exceed all air emission regulations worldwide.

• The patented Thermal Oxidizer is capable of removing 99.97% of the volatized contaminants released from the soil by the Processor.
• Airbourne particulate is removed from the airstream using Multiclones and a baghouse to reduce this particulate down to below 10 mg/kg going to atmosphere.
• Processing the contaminated soil onsite rather than moving it to a landfill or other treatment facility reduces the truck traffic needed to remove the soil, transport it 60 – 100km away dump it and then bring back an equivalent amount of replacement soil. This transportation can have disastrous consequences due to accidents, spills and weather-related incidents.

Note: The average dump truck emits 223 tons of CO2 per year for the average 200,000km/year in use. Even a small site would require over 300 truckloads to remove and replace soil whereas larger sites would require in excess of 2000 truckloads. All of this soil transportation can be eliminated by processing the contaminated soil onsite using Jentek equipment.

• By keeping the treated soil onsite, it is still considered “Native” soil and can be returned to the excavation, compacted and built on right away, rather than having to wait up to 5 years for trucked in replacement soil.
• By processing the soil onsite, significant cost savings are realized from this soil transport saving.

• Area of soil contamination is identified by a Phase One Environmental assessment of the site.
• Contaminated soil is excavated and placed in windrows ready to put into the Jentek machine.
• Machine is brought to the site and hooked up to a fuel supply for the burners and either the power grid or the onboard 3-phase generator is used for power.
• Soil enters the machine through the hopper and conveyor of the feed system, is processed thermally to volatize hydrocarbons and water using the unique soil cascading system of the Processor.
• Clean soil exits the Processor in less than 30 seconds and is ready for backfilling or other purposes.
• Volatilized contaminants plus water vapour are pulled through a Multiclone and Baghouse to remove particulate matter which is recycled back into the Processor.
• Vaporized gases are then drawn into the Thermal Oxidizer where a secondary burner destroys up to 99.97% of the contaminants. Clean air then exits the Thermal Oxidizer to atmosphere within air emissions compliance.
• A Continuous Air Emissions system is available as an add-on to continually measure the air discharge and automatically adjust the Thermal Oxidizer to assure compliance with all regulations.

Jentek equipment can be set up to meet whatever results the customer requires in cleanup and whatever the local regulations require in off-gassing and particulate emissions. The Thermal Oxidizer can be set to whatever residence time is requested and can remove up to 99.7% of VOC before exit to the atmosphere. Hydrocarbons up to C44 and 45,000 mg/kg can be efficiently remediated down to as low as 100 mg/kg (Residential grade), or to the desired level for the project. ThermoClean equipment utilizes a unique “cascading soil” system where the heat from the Primary Burner travels upward through 3 separate remediation chambers. The falling soil is contacted at the lowest chamber by direct flame and the heat is then used to penetrate the falling soil in the upper 2 chambers. Soil is spread out like a waterfall in these chambers to allow for maximum heat penetration and efficiency. The entire system operates at a negative pressure so no air is emitted to atmosphere until thoroughly cleaned. Vaporized gasses from the Processor are pulled through the system using a powerful Induction Fan and dust particulate is removed by cyclones and filters.

Dependent on the conditions of the soil; moisture content, contaminant type, contaminant level and soil type, throughput can be from 4-7 tons per hour, with a modification extending this to ~10 tph. Pre-testing will determine these parameters for each specific project and the desired result attained. Soil is in the Processor for less than 30 seconds, therefore no flammable particles ignite within the system. No soil organics are destroyed during processing meaning the soil will support plant growth right after treatment.

Because of this unique cascading system, fuel contained in the contaminated soil will enhance the process, thus cutting back on the need to operate the Primary Burner at full capacity except on start-up.  Historically, ThermoClean equipment has proven to operate on as much as 50% less fuel than conventional rotary systems.

Labour is also a saving on these systems as only one operator and a loader operator are required to operate the equipment. Maintenance is greatly reduced by the elimination of as many moving parts and expendables as possible. Most spare parts can be purchased locally should a breakdown occur and are easily changed out.

Historically, TC-500 equipment will operate on an all-inclusive (fuel, labour and operation) cost of between $ 35 – $65 per ton, depending on the above parameters.

Equipment can be set up to do onsite testing for air emissions and soil cleanliness. Pre-testing is always required for remediation projects to determine the speed at which the augers must operate to obtain the desired results. These tests are generally done at a qualified laboratory. The temperature of the exiting soil will determine the level of cleanliness of the exiting soil. Required adjustments of the auger speed are a simple control function performed by the operator.  All TC-500 machines have a touch-screen control panel and interlocking augers with automatic reversal if jams occur. With added satellite technology, TC equipment can be remotely monitored for air emissions, throughput and other parameters.

ThermoClean equipment has all the required safety features such as emergency shutoff  buttons and automatic burner suppression equipment required for rapid control of any potential problems. Guard shield equipment is supplied to protect personnel and the skin temperature of the processor is reduced by refractory linings and insulating of the various components. Machines have electrical protection for all conceivable adverse circumstances and all components meet local regulation standards when built, such as UL, SEC, EU, ASTM, CSA, etc.

ThermoClean endeavors to provide quality equipment at a reasonable cost and a manufacturer’s warranty covering components and workmanship can be supplied. This equipment is below half the cost of other thermal systems and will soon replace dig-and-dump “treatment” option as more concern is being placed on actually REMEDIATING the contaminants and not just moving them to a landfill site. Parking them for future generations to deal with is soon to be a thing of the past.