Introduction to SVE

Photo above illustrates typical thermal oxidation unit used to control vapor emissions at a SVE site.

Questions regarding the information contained on this page should be directed to:

UCD/SVE web coordinator, D. Chang at dpchang@ucdavis.edu

 

Last updated: 9-1-05

Graphic below (and on home page) illustrates typical SVE system to remove and treat contaminated soil in the

vadose zone (above ground water table).

Typical soil vapor extraction (SVE) site and system.  Figure adapted from Fact Sheet No-2-03.

Courtesy Air Force Base Conversion Agency and Montgomery Watson Harza, McClellan, CA .

Soil vapor extraction, also known as soil venting or vacuum extraction, is a cleanup technology commonly used to remove volatile and certain semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) in vapor form from contaminated property. 

 

A typical SVE system consists of vapor extraction wells, a vacuum blower or a pump, air/water separator, and a vapor treatment system. 

 

Removal of volatile compounds by SVE involves creating a vacuum at the extraction wells.  Air in the surrounding soil containing the contaminated vapors then rushes to fill the vacuum. The air and contaminants are then extracted and treated before being released to the atmosphere.

 

There are a number of treatment options for the vapors and gases which are produced by the SVE process.  These WebPages are designed to provide information on these various technologies.

 

For a general discussion of SVE treatment technologies click on the Information Summaries button.

 

For detailed information on several alternatives to SVE treatment, click on the Alternatives to SVE button.

 

To view a FACT SHEET on SVE, click on the highlighted phrase.