Economics of LNAPL Recovery

All projects involving any significant quantity of LNAPL product recovery require the consideration of economic factors. Careful planning to optimize each project phase can lead to the lowest cost of operation and can occasionally generate positive cash flow, while currently accomplishing aquifer restoration. A basic premise in this discussion is that the recovered LNAPL is suitable for reuse (i.e., as refinery feed stock or fuel for incinerators). Products unsuitable for resale only add to the debit side of the economic equation. 

Debits associated with LNAPL recovery projects are the costs for  

Credits resulting from recycling of recovered LNAPL include cash returns of  

A summarization of the credits and debits describes the economic status of the project. A carefully planned and executed project results in the greatest possible credit balance (or least expenditure) for the longest period of time. 

FIGURE 11.1 Example project of LNAPL recovery, cumulative costs, and production vs. time. 

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