AutoTracker Reduces Remediation Cost per Gallon by 59% - Case Study

AutoTracker™ (U.S. Patent Number 6,520,259) Floating Extraction Inlets were added to a DPE system at a remediation site in mid-Michigan following several years of operational problems caused by fluctuating water table levels. Installation was straightforward and system performance improved immediately, reducing on-site maintenance, labor and O&M costs and greatly improving groundwater recovery. Ongoing savings were so dramatic that payback for the initial capital cost was achieved in just 4 months! Projected over the project life cycle, cost savings should surpass $600,000, with an expected 10-year reduction in time to reach the remediation target.

Site Background Data:

• 12 well dual-phase extraction system
• 2-acre encapsulation and treatment cell
• Well depths: 20-40 feet bgs; static water level: 15-20 feet bgs
• Approx. 30,000 cubic yards of soils contaminated with chlorinated solvents
• 25 HP rotary lobe blower used
• Each well extracts 20-30 scfm of vapor at 10-13' Hg
• Recovered vapor & groundwater treated with vapor/liquid phase activated carbon

History Prior to AutoTracker Installation:

• System operated 1999-2001 with fixed entrainment tubes
• Water level changes caused by seasonal fluctuations and/or blower shutdown resulted in dry recovery, deadhead and liquid choking conditions
• O&M costs increased by need for frequent manual adjustment and maintenance
• Air/groundwater recovery rates decreased due to extensive system downtime

AutoTracker Performance:

• Floating Extraction Inlets installed summer 2002
• O&M costs reduced 20% due primarily to reduced labor
• Payback period less than 4 months
• Groundwater recovery rates nearly doubled
• Groundwater recovery cost per gallon reduced 59%
• Estimated project duration cut from 30 to 20 years
• Estimated life cycle cost savings: over $600,000

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