High-Low Temperature Treatment

Generally, high-temperature systems operate at temperatures above 1000°F (500-600°C), whereas low-temperature systems operate below 1000°F. High-temperature processes include (1) incineration, (2) electric pyrolysis, and (3) in situ vitrification. Low-temperature treatment systems include (1) soil roasting, (2) low-temperature incineration, (3) low-temperature thermal aeration, (4) infrared furnace treatment, and (5) low-temperature thermal stripping. 

High-temperature treatment systems involve destruction of contaminant(s) through complete oxidation, whereas low-temperature systems increase the rate of phase transfer (e.g., liquid phase to gaseous phase), and thus encourage contaminant partitioning from soil. Some of the disadvantages of heat treatment include its high cost and its ineffectiveness with some contaminants (e.g., low volatilization potential or incineration actually produces more toxic substances). 

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