Demonstration of In Situ Radio-Frequency Heating at a Former Industrial Site

In situ radio‐frequency heating (ISRFH) combined with soil vapor extraction was demonstrated at a contaminated field site of a former hydrotreatment plant in Zeitz near Leipzig. The project was carried out in several phases including cold soil vapor extraction for comparison. During the test, a soil volume of about 300 m3 was heated to an average temperature of 54 °C. As expected, the extraction rate for hydrocarbons (especially the main contaminant benzene) was markedly enhanced by soil heating. Furthermore, microbial degradation of organic compounds was supported. Although a total amount of approximately 1.4 t of hydrocarbons was removed from the soil, the demonstration project was not aimed at complete remediation of the site. Conditions limiting the extent of cleanup are discussed in detail and conclusions for an efficient application of ISRFH in soil remediation are derived whereas experiences from other sites are also implied. Potential and limitations of the combination of in situ radio‐frequency heating (ISRFH) and soil vapor extraction are exemplarily discussed for a demonstration project carried out at a former industrial site. Conditions restricting the extent of cleanup are discussed and conclusions for an efficient application of ISRFH in soil remediation are deduced.