Permeability and Geology

Permeability and geology are key factors influencing the selection of the optimal in situ thermal remediation technology or combination of technologies and the remedial design for a given site. TerraTherm's technologies have proven to be effective on a wide range of site conditions.

In Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD), Steam-Enhanced Extraction (SEE), and and Electro-Thermal Dynamic Stripping Process (ET-DSP™) offer treatment flexibility that can be applied to almost any site both above and below the water table. Using each of these technologies alone or in combination, we are able to treat a wide variety of geologies including:

Tight soils
Clay layers
Fractured rock
Unconsolidated soils
Complex stratigraphies
Soils with wide heterogeneity in permeability or moisture content
Unsaturated zones
Saturated zones
Smear zones
Fill materials

Thermal Conduction Heating (TCH), utilizing In Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD)

TCH is often applied to heterogeneous subsurface settings with layers of low to high permeability, and for contaminants with moderate to high boiling points.

Steam Enhanced Extraction (SEE)

SEE has its greatest applicability in higher permeability zones below the water table through which injected steam can flow.

ET-DSP™ (an advanced form of ERH)

ET-DSP™ is most often applied to low and moderate permeability zones and in heterogeneous settings.

Water Table Position

Our technologies (SEE, ISTD and ET-DSP™ ) are effective both above and below the water table.

To discover projects, white papers and other documents discussing permeability and geology topics, please explore our site search tool. Enter keywords such as fractured rock, permeability, clay, water table, etc., or visit our resources section.

Please contact us to discuss the geology and other characteristics of your site.

Phone + 1 978 343 0300