Case Study 5

Case Study :  Severe and Urgent Point Source Product Recovery

General Location:  Texas Post Oak Savannah, Undeveloped area

Client Type:  National Engineering and Environmental Consulting Firm

End User Type:  Major Oil Company Pipeline Operations Division

Climatic and Site Conditions:  Dense Vegetation with tall timber stands, except where disrupted by construction and event response activities.

Project Goals:  Provide LNAPL recovery and vapor recovery and destruction equipment and personnel for two functions. Recover product lost due to a recent third party pipeline rupture to mitigate environmental impact. Provide fresh air flow into the sandy soils below the rupture area to lower vapor concentrations allowing pipeline repair personnel to safely perform their duties.

Project Specification:  Provide equipment and personnel to perform a continually staffed 7-day Mobile Dual Phase Vacuum Extraction Event. Dewater area to the extent practical, Remove LNAPL in liquid form to the extent practical. Remove vapor from subsurface at the highest rate and concentration available from each of the 6 extraction wells. Collect data pertinent to efficiency, radius of influence, flow, and recovery on an hourly basis. Coordinate personnel and support services through the duration of the event. Comply with and record all aspects of the client’s and end user’s health and safety program in addition to the AMS, Inc. in house program.

Technology Selected:  The Oxy-Vac 5 was selected. Unit includes: Propane Assisted 1000 cfm Flame Oxidizer for VOC Vapor Destruction. Vacuum Technology capable at 26” Hg with adjustment for vacuum and flow without introducing ambient dilution air. Onboard air and power supply. Onboard fuel and supplemental fuel gas supply. Air compressor and manifold. Unit retrofitted for this event with 4” pneumatically powered down-hole pumps.

Implementation of Technology:  Following client specific and site-specific training of Alliance employees who would or might be called upon to serve as operational or support personnel; the equipment was mobilized to site, setup and safety inspections were performed. Operational and mechanical details were communicated with both client and end user. Adjustments in standard operating procedure where made to suit the site specific conditions and concerns.

Results:  The project proceeded on schedule and on budget to the timely and successful completion of our scope of work.

Findings:  Alliance is experienced and capable of performing short notice response activities. Our corporate structure and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances allow us a flexibility to meet unusual, unexpected, and the sometimes stringent demands of our clients. Alliance logged more than 845 twenty-four hour days of Mobile Dual Phase Extraction events last year alone. Our experienced technical staff and the number of operational units maintained within our fleet allows us to mobilize, set up, and execute events quickly anywhere within Texas.