OCETA ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PROFILES
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The Eriksson System™ Contaminated Sediment Removal and Dewatering CAT. #01-0004-H |
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Pilot Status*
PROCESS/PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The Eriksson System™ is a proprietary method of sediment removal which significantly reduces the amount of sediment redistribution and water-column contamination normally associated with other sediment removal methods. With the Eriksson System, the contaminated sediment is frozen into blocks inside containment cells. These cells can then be easily removed with minimal contaminant disturbance. A significant advantage of this process is that only water naturally occurring in the sediment block is removed, thus minimizing the need for costly dewatering and water treatment. The Eriksson System requires only a single pass to remove the sediment, reducing contaminant dispersal, and further reducing removal costs. Other removal methods, such as dredging, often require subsequent passes to remove re-settled sediment.
PROCESS/PRODUCT APPLICATION:
The Eriksson System can be used to remove and dewater virtually all types of hazardous marine and aquatic sediments, in both still and flowing water columns. Sediment containing contaminants, such as PAHs, PCBs, heavy metals, radioactive materials, and other toxic chemicals, can be safely removed and dewatered, ready for further remediation. The use of containment cells allows for the selective removal of only contaminated regions of sediment, minimizing the volume of material which will need further treatment or disposal. A schematic of a containment cell is shown in Figure 1. Containment cells are typically about two meters square and are designed to handle some oversize debris. The principle of the Eriksson system can also be applied to sediment sampling. Unlike other sampling methods, the system can retrieve a sample which is an exact image of the sediment profile and the sample can be archived in its frozen state prior to laboratory testing.
Figure 1: Blocks of sediment are frozen inside containment cells.
PROCESS/PRODUCT OPERATION:
Using a placement tower, rows of containment cells are organized in a grid-like pattern in the sediment, guided by visual or electronic navigation equipment. Cells can be arranged so that only targeted sediment regions are removed. A two meter square cell can penetrate the sediment to a depth of up to two meters. A cluster of tines protrudes downward from the bottom of the cell's mainframe into the sediment (see Figure 1). As refrigerant is circulated through the tines, heat is extracted from the surrounding sediment. After approximately 24 hours, the entire sediment block is sufficiently frozen for removal. Cells are removed only after adjacent cells are in place to minimize sediment redistribution and drift into the already cleaned area. Figure 2 shows the grid pattern formed by containment cells and the removal process. Oversized debris is detected by sounding equipment and can be removed using custom containment cells manufactured to the size and shape of the debris. Once the cells are retrieved, the sediment is dewatered and ready for further treatment. Removal rates are determined by site conditions and the number of cells in use.
Figure 2: Containment cells prevent contamination of the water column and redistribution of contaminants to the cleaned areas. Cells containing the frozen sediment are removed only after the adjacent cells are frozen. This second row of cells forms a barrier to reduce sediment drift into the trough left by the removal of the first row of cells.
VENDOR INFORMATION:
- Eriksson Sediment Systems Inc.
Eriksson Sediment Systems Inc. was incorporated in September of 1994 for the purpose of commercializing the Eriksson System of contaminated sediment removal and dewatering. The technology was developed by the company founder and President, Lars Eriksson. Although the technology continues to be developed, its principles have successfully been demonstrated in a prototype unit. A pilot scale demonstration project is currently underway in Wheatley Harbour on Lake Erie. The Eriksson System has patents pending in the US, with applications for patents being made worldwide.
* This technology has been successfully tested at the pilot-scale level.
While OCETA has reviewed this product/process with the Vendor and conducted limited independent investigation,
OCETA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information.
Profile Print Date: 11/95
Catalogue # 01-004-H
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