Air Sparging System
Air Sparge System for a Former Heating Plant at a Space launch base
MAE2 was selected after a competitive bid process to build and start up an integrated Air Sparge system for a former heating plant at a space launch base.
The system was designed to remediate a solvent plume and source area at the site of the former heating facility. There are 125 sparge wells spread across the site in order to create high air flow and radius of influence across the plume.
The design required two separate compressors and sparge manifolds. The first compressor was designed for the shallow depth wells and included a refrigerant dryer so that the air supply remained dry and at ambient temperature when leaving the system.
The completed system included a 60 HP variable speed rotary screw compressor capable of providing up to 295 CFM. The compressor automatically adjusts to provide only the air demand needed at any given moment which saves electricity and prolongs the life of the equipment. The system design included programmable timers that allow the user to rotate air delivery through the different site zones as desired. The project included remote operation and monitoring so that the performance could be viewed and adjusted as required.
The System controls display and log temperature, pressure, and CFM flow for the compressor and well field areas. The set points and operation timers can be adjusted remotely by phone or computer to maintain optimum efficiency.
The second compressor was designed for the deeper wells located in the more concentrated source area. The completed system included a 40 HP rotary screw compressor capable of providing up to 215 CFM. This system was piped directly from the compressor through the sparge manifold into the sparge wells. The concept was to use the elevated air sparge temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit to optimize source area mobilization and solvent breakdown. The manifold, electric valves, temperature, flow, and pressure transmitters all had to be designed and assembled to withstand the higher temperature of the sparge process air flow.
The systems were each installed in two utility trailers, custom designed to handle the size and weight of the compressors. Custom ductwork and climate control were designed to keep the interiors of each trailer at the low temperature and low humidity that the compressor requires for proper operation. The doors and vent openings on the trailers were also designed to support the compressor operation and maintenance needs.
The Master Control System (MCP) was designed to provide monitoring of the temperature, pressure and CFM flow for the compressor as well as the individual zones going out to the well field. The MCP allows the user to change the set points and zone operation timers to operate in any combination desired for optimum efficiency. Each trailer unit has its own operations control panel which is accessed by the MCP. The MCP was connected to internet based access via a cellular modem allowing for complete system control via any web connected computer or from a smart phone. The password protected remote access provides the same control screens and operational control that you get on site from the MCP.
This Air Sparge System uses the following components and subsystems
Integrated Air Sparge System at a Space Launch Center
MAE2 was selected as the most responsive bidder in a competitive bid process to build and start up an integrated Air Sparge system for a former maintenance building at a space launch center.
The system was designed to remediate a solvent plume around the former building site. There are 213 wells spread across the site in order to create high air flow and radius of influence across the plume. The system design includes programmable timers that allow the user to rotate air delivery through the different site areas as desired. There are 10 sparge zones on the site, and each can be programmed for specific on off times to optimize remediation.
The project includes remote operation and monitoring so that the performance can be viewed and adjusted as required. The completed system includes a 125 HP variable speed rotary screw compressor capable of providing up to 648 CFM. The compressor automatically adjusts to provide only the air demand needed at any given moment which saves electricity and prolongs the life of the equipment. The system controls display and log temperature, pressure and CFM flow for the compressor and well field areas. The set points and operation timers can be adjusted remotely by phone or computer to maintain optimum efficiency.
The system was installed in a utility trailer custom designed to handle the size and weight of the compressor. Custom duct-work for compressor the intake and exhaust and split unit air conditioners for climate control were designed to keep the interior of the trailer at the low temperature and low humidity that the compressor requires for proper operation.
The system effectiveness was evident as the influence on the water table and in the monitoring wells was immediate.
This Air Sparge System uses the following components and subsystems
Rotary Screw Compressors
Rotary Screw compressors are available with a large range of flows from 4-250 HP and air flow rates from 10 to 1500 cfm and larger. Most screw compressors have pressure ranges from 100-150 psi. Rotary screw compressors require frequent maintenance ranging from oil changes, filter changes and condensate management.
Rotary Claw Compressors
Rotary Claw compressors are available with flow rates from 65-350 cfm and pressures ranging from 15-30 psi. Claw compressors require little to no maintenance. Standard gear oil changes are 20,000 hours. Inlet filters may require more frequent changes based on the air quality of the environment in which installed.
Click to download MAE2 Rotary Claw Compressor Specifications Sheet
Rotary Vane Compressors
Rotary Vane compressors are available from very low to moderate air flows typically 3-325 cfm with pressures from 15-25 psi. Rotary Vane compressors require changing of filters and vanes on a regular basis.
Air Sparging Systems
Air Sparging involves the injection of air or gases to the subsurface that promote enhanced degradation of contamination.
Sparge systems are designed based on required air flow and anticipated breakthrough pressure. A wide variety of blowers and compressors can be used to achieve various flow and pressure scenarios. Typical industry standards include Rotary Vane, Rotary Claw and Rotary Screw compressors.
Typical systems include discharge particulate and oil coalescing filtration to minimize oil and particulate carry over to the subsurface. In addition, a receiver tank should be installed to buffer the compressor from changes in air demand.
Typical systems include blower or compressor, TEFC or XP motor, heat exchanger if required and a prewired, pretested, custom NEMA IV control panel. Pressure gauges, flow indicators, temperature indicators and filtration can be specified per your application.
All Air Sparge Sparging components are fully integrated and prewired on a steel skid with optional custom sound attenuating enclosure. Air Sparging Systems are easily integrated with new or existing Soil Vapor Extraction Systems.
Options
- Manifolds with regulators, flow indicators and gauges
- Heat Exchanger
- Ozone Generators
- Oxygen Generators
- Remote telemetry system monitoring and alarm notification
