"From the Introduction: "
The purpose of this guide is to aid in determining whether a particular volatilization technology can successfully remove organic contaminants from water. It describes the performance evaluation of common volatilization technologies and provides an approach for selecting the appropriate technology for a given situation. Data necessary for the evaluation are described and, whenever possible, background data are given for selected hazardous organics. In addition to being useful for equipment selection, it can be used as an educational tool for background data on volatilization technologies or as a decision-making tool for purchasing a mobile technology.
The impetus for developing a guide stems from involvement of the Hazardous Waste Engineering Researching Laboratory's Releases Control Branch in technical assistance activities that require assessment of the feasibility and cost of various treatment options. It was recognized that EPA On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) and their technical support personnel are often faced with changing or uncertain conditions that could affect the cost and feasibility of removing volatile substances from water. As conditions change or as some of the uncertainties are resolved, the OSC's technical support personnel are called upon to revise their estimates accordingly. It was recognized that the OSC and their technical support staffs did not have a concise guide on the subject of volatilization technologies and their application to spill cleanup operations.
People with some technical training in chemistry and thermodynamics, but limited experience in participating or coordinating cleanup activities at uncontrolled hazardouswaste sites will find the guide useful. (A review of volatilization is provided for thos