![Sample our Environment & Sustainability journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5935/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Sustainability.jpg"})
Abstract
Helium tracer tests are used as an alternative to soil-gas pressure measurements to assess the effectiveness of soil vapor extraction (SVE) systems for capturing contaminant vapors liberated by in situ air sparging (IAS). The tracer approach is simple to conduct and provides more direct and reliable measures than the soil-gas pressure approach. The tracer test described here can be used to both determine SVE system capture efficiency and to evaluate air distribution during IAS pilot tests. The tests can also be conducted on operating, full-scale systems to confirm system performance. In addition, the tests can be easily repeated, which allows system parameters to be modified and the impact of those modifications to be quickly assessed. Whether used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, helium tracer tests provide an important measure of IAS system performance.