TECHNOLOGIES / THERMAL REMEDIATION
ISOTEC provides consulting & operational services that enable clients and their consultants to achieve successful outcomes in thermal remediation projects.
Thermal remediation is a powerful technology that uses heat to accelerate the breakdown, volatilization, and extraction of hazardous contaminants from soil and groundwater. It is particularly effective for treating sites impacted by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL).
UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
Principle of Operation:
Thermal remediation involves applying heat to contaminated media to enhance contaminant volatility, increase reaction rates, and promote in-situ degradation. This process can vaporize contaminants for extraction and treatment, facilitate in-situ reduction, and improve contaminant mobility, making extraction more efficient.
Types of Thermal Remediation:
- In Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD): Heats soil in place to vaporize VOCs and SVOCs, with vapors and liquids extracted for treatment. Effective for both in-situ and ex-situ applications.
- Electrical Resistance Heating (ERH): Uses electrical currents to generate heat within the subsurface, effectively treating contaminants near their boiling point.
- Steam Injection: Injects steam into the ground to increase temperature and mobilize contaminants, dramatically expanding the effective radius of influence compared to non-thermal extraction.
THE ISOTEC DIFFERENCE:
YOUR PARTNER IN THERMAL REMEDIATION SOLUTIONS
ISOTEC has has successfully served as a prime contractor on multiple thermal remediation projects across the U.S. and Canada, helping clients navigate complex remediation challenges with confidence. Our key personnel have extensive experience managing the specialized design-build considerations of thermal remediation, with several team members having successfully led thermal projects at both ISOTEC and major environmental consulting firms.
As a trusted subject matter expert, ISOTEC is regularly engaged by consultants and property owners to support thermal remediation planning, design development, cost estimation, RFP preparation, and program management. Our deep understanding of thermal technologies, combined with our strategic oversight, ensures that each project is executed efficiently and effectively.
KEY ADVANTAGES OF THERMAL REMEDIATION
- Rapid Results: Achieves faster remediation timelines than many other conventional methods.
- Low-Permeability Treatment: Ideal for clay, silts, and even deep bedrock formations (>100 ft bgs).
- Comprehensive Application: Treats a wide range of contaminants, including those resistant to traditional methods.
- Minimal Site Disruption: Many techniques can be applied in-situ, avoiding extensive excavation.
IDEAL APPLICATIONS FOR THERMAL REMEDIATION
Thermal remediation is most applicable at sites characterized by:
- Chlorinated solvents (PCE, TCE, DCE, VC)
- Petroleum hydrocarbons
- DNAPL-impacted soil and groundwater
- Low-permeability soils (e.g., clay, silt) where injection-based methods struggle to treat
- Sites requiring aggressive source treatment to meet regulatory goals
SUSTAINABILITY & INTEGRATED APPROACHES
ISOTEC emphasizes sustainable practices by integrating thermal remediation with other treatment methods to enhance overall effectiveness, reduce remediation timelines, and minimize environmental impact. By combining thermal technologies with ISCO, enhanced bioremediation, or vapor extraction, we optimize contaminant removal while promoting long-term site restoration. Thermal remediation is a key component of a comprehensive suite of technologies designed to treat a wide range of contaminants efficiently and responsibly.