ABSTRACT
Air stripping is a means to transfer contaminants from aqueous solutions to air. Contaminants are not destroyed by air stripping but are physically separated from the aqueous solutions. Contaminant vapors are transferred into the air stream and, if necessary, can be treated by incineration, adsorption, or oxidation. Most frequently, contaminants are collected in carbon adsorption systems and then treated or destroyed in this concentrated form. The concentrated contaminants may be recovered, incinerated for waste heat recovery, or destroyed by other treatment technologies. Generally, air stripping is used as one in a series of unit operations and can reduce the overall cost for managing a particular site. Air stripping is applicable to volatile and semivolatile organic compounds. It is not applicable for treating metals and inorganic compounds.
During 1988, air stripping was one of the selected remedies at 30 Superfund sites [1]. 2 In 1989, it was a component of the selected remedy at 38 Superfund sites [2]. An estimated 1,000 air-stripping units are presently in operation at sites throughout the United States [3]. Packed-tower systems typically provide the best removal efficiencies, but other equipment configurations exist, including diffused-air basins, surface aerators, and cross-flow towers [4, p. 2; 5, p. 10–48]. In packed-tower systems, there is no clear technology leader by virtue of the type of equipment used or mode of operation. The final determination of the lowest cost alternative will be more site-specific than process equipment dominated.
This chapter provides information on the technology applicability, the technology limitations, a description of the technology, the types of residuals produced, site requirements, the latest performance data, the status of the technology, and sources of further information.
