Passive gas control perimeter systems

Passive perimeter gas control systems are designed to alter the path of contaminant flow through the use of trenches or wells, and typically include synthetic flexible membrane liners (FMLs) and/or natural clays as containment materials. The membrane is held in place by a backfilled trench, the depth of which is determined by the distance to a limiting structure, such as groundwater or bedrock. A permeable trench installation functions to direct lateral migration to the surface, where the gases can be vented (if acceptable) or collected and conveyed to a treatment system (Figure 10a and 10b). 

High-permeability passive perimeter gas control systems entail the installation of highly permeable (relative to the surrounding soil) trenches or wells between the hazardous waste site and the area to be protected (Figure 16.6). The permeable material offers conditions more conductive to gas flow than the surrounding soil, and provides paths of flow to the points of release. High-permeability systems usually take the form of trenches or wells excavated outside the site, then backfilled with a highly permeable medium such as coarse crushed stone. 

Low-permeability passive perimeter gas control systems (Figure 16.7) effectively block gas flow into the areas of concern by using barriers (such as synthetic membranes or natural clays) between the contaminated site and the area to be protected. In the low-permeability system, gases are not collected and therefore cannot be conveyed to a point of controlled release or treatment. The low-permeability system can also alter the paths of convective flow. 

High-permeability and low-permeability passive perimeter gas control systems are often combined to provide controlled venting of gases and blockage of available paths for gas migration.15... 

An active perimeter gas control system can have any of the same configurations as a passive perimeter system with the addition of any combination of gas extraction wells, gas collection headers, vacuum blowers or compressors. Their ultimate purpose is to direct the gas to a treatment or utilization system. 

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