Information Last Revised: 3/29/93
TTP Reference Number: 421103
1. Technical Name of Technology: Cone Penetrometer
2. Common Name of Technology: Cone Penetrometer
3. PI and Telephone No: G.W. McLellan, (509) 376-2260 Cognizant Engineer - B.R. Cassem, (509) 376-1007
4. Affiliation: Westinghouse Hanford Company
5. Technology Category: Drilling Technologies
6. Developers: Applied Research Associates
7. Application
7.1. Where (in-situ/ex-situ): in-situ
7.2. Media: soil
7.3. Targeted Contaminants: carbon tetrachloride, radionuclides, chloro-hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons
8. Scope of project (feasibility study, treatability, bench, pilot, field):
field
9. Integrated Demonstration (ID) Need/Requirements:
At hazardous waste sites, vertical drilling allows access to the subsurface to take soil and groundwater samples and to help monitor the site. Information gained from drilling is used to characterize the subsurface environment and to allow measurement of the types and extent of contamination at a site. Currently, cable tool drilling is used; however, cable tool drilling is expensive, relatively slow, and generates drill cuttings that must be treated and disposed of as hazardous waste. A source detection system is needed to reduce borehole drilling costs.
10. Objective
10.1. Objective of technology (i.e., This technology will destroy VOCs in groundwater.):
The objective of the cone penetrometer is to provide a cost effective source detection tool. The cone penetrometer will be used to characterize contamination and install monitoring wells and collect chemical and radiological data. The goal (end product) is a transferrable technology which is an alternate source detection system which 1) reduces overall characterization costs and schedule, 2) minimizes waste generated, and 3) consistently achieves required depths.
10.2. Baseline (baseline technology to which it is compared):
Cable tool drilling (Cable tool)
11. Process Description:
The cone penetrometer is a truck-mounted device that rapidly penetrates the ground to collect data about a site. It has been used for approximately 50 years for geotechnical applications, but its use in environmental restoration is relatively new. The cone penetrometer rod has a conical tip of up to 2 inches in diameter. It is pushed hydraulically into the ground with a maximum pressure of 80,000 pounds. The hole generated by the cone penetrometer retains the outside diameter of the rod and can be grouted as the probe is withdrawn to seal the hole and prevent the escape of contaminants. As the rod progresses into the ground, a computer reads data from sensors located in both the tip and the side of the probe. The cone penetrometer can monitor for contaminants as the probe is advanced or can leave monitors in place as the rod is withdrawn. The cone penetrometer can advance through fine-grained soil at a rate of 40 to 50 feet an hour. However, adapting this tool for full use in the gravel/cobble subsurface common to arid sites will require upgrading the thrusting capacity of the truck, reinforcing tools associated with the penetrometer to withstand the additional force, and evaluating the use of vibration to facilitate penetration through gravel. The cone penetrometer is used to install characterization and monitoring wells and may be able to provide chemical and radiological readings from the subsurface. Successful development, demonstration, and deployment of the cone penetrometer system as a source detection tool will provide more cost-effective site characterization and remediation by reducing the number of drill holes required, minimizing secondary waste, and reducing potential worker exposure to contaminated materials.
11.1. Input:
Grout for the hole-sealing system.
11.2. Output:
The cone penetrometer can be designed to collect several types of data in addition to collecting groundwater samples.
Decontamination fluid is the only waste generated from this technology.
Real-time print out of the soil characteristics of the subsurface will also be generated.
12. Summary of Technology Advantages (relative to the baseline: faster, better, cheaper, safer):
The cone penetrometer is a quick tool for initial evaluation. It is less costly than cable tool drilling. The cone penetrometer does not cause contaminated soil displacement up to the surface. The cone penetrometer may deploy many different state-of-the-art line sampling and instrument devices. Use of the cone penetrometer is unaffected by weather conditions. When compared to traditional drilling methods, the cone penetrometer minimizes worker exposure. The technology is very mobile.
13. Limitations of Technology (relative to the baseline: faster, better, cheaper, safer):
It is limited by the by sensor capability the CPT can deliver.
14. Major Technical Challenges:
Adapting this tool for full use in the aggressive Hanford gravels will require: 1) upgrading the thrusting capacity of the truck and reinforcing tools to withstand this force, 2) minimizing waste from down hole tool decontamination and, 3) evaluating the use of vibratory resonance to facilitate penetration through gravels, and 4) down-sizing tools such as radiation detection devices.
15. Technical Effectiveness:
15.1. Performance
15.1.1. Remaining Contamination: (contamination mobility reduction, volume reduction, toxicity reduction)
Summary (20 words or less): Not applicable
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.2. Process Waste
15.1.2.1. Status of waste (mobility, volume, hazard, recyclability)
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT reduces generated waste by not displacing drill cuttings to the surface
Further Description (unlimited length): Other effects include reducing the movement of the contaminants and most of the waste containment problems.
15.1.2.2. Treatment (needed, available)
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.2.3. Decontamination / Decommissioning
Summary (20 words or less): Decontamination fluid is the only waste generated from this technology.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.2.4. Disposal (needed, available)
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3. Practicality
15.1.3.1. Foreclose Future Options
Summary (20 words or less): Not applicable
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.2. Reliability
Summary (20 words or less): Reliability varies between 100% in soft soils to approximately 50%-75% in gravels.
Further Description (unlimited length): When used in gravel the CPT maintains approximately 100% reliability (minimal refusal) with two attempts in gravels to depths of 50 feet. In gravels to 100 feet the percentage drops to approximately 50-75%. In soft soil the CPT maintains near 100% reliability.
15.1.3.3. Failure Control
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.4. Ease of Use
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT system requires a high level of understanding of soil and hydraulics.
Further Description (unlimited length): The CPT system requires a high level of understanding of soil and hydraulics. Operators of the CPT need a minimum of two years experience on the system and experience in electronics and hydraulics.
15.1.3.5. Infrastructure
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.6. Versatility
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT system functions well in a wide range of soils. It's greatest successes are in fine soils.
Further Description (unlimited length): The CPT system functions well in a wide range of soils. It's greatest successes are in fine soils. Recently the CPT has been able to consistently penetrate cobbles and gravels.
15.1.3.7. System Compatibility
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.8. Off-the-Shelf (procurement ease)
Summary (20 words or less): For fine sediments the CPT can be used straight from the factory. If the CPT is used in gravels a custom vehicle needs to be used.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.9. Maintainability
Summary (20 words or less): A strict maintenance schedule is required to keep the hydraulic system operable.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.10. Safety Measures
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT functions well within the established safety standards.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.4. 'Works' (functions as intended):
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.2. Cost
15.2.1. Start-Up Cost
Summary (20 words or less): Approximately $500K.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.2.2. Operations and Maintenance Cost
Summary (20 words or less): Operational costs are typically $ 3000/day.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.2.3. Life-cycle cost
Summary (20 words or less): The depreciation of the CPT is approximately 10 years.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.3. Time
15.3.1. Years Until Available
Summary (20 words or less): Currently available, however requires enhancement and development primarily with samplers and detectors, such as a spectral gamma tool.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.3.2. Speed/Rate
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT can push at a rate of 30-40 feet per half hour unless it is in a mixed waste environment.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.3.3. Years to Finish
Summary (20 words or less): Not applicable
Further Description (unlimited length):
16. Environmental Safety and Health
16.1. Worker Safety
16.1.1. Exposure to Hazardous Materials/Hazards
Summary (20 words or less): No contaminated media is brought to the surface that might pose safety and health hazards to workers. No sample is involved.
Further Description (unlimited length): Decontamination fluid is the only waste generated from this technology.
16.1.2. Physical Requirements
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.1.3. Number of People Required
Summary (20 words or less): An operator and 1-2 support people from the contractor.
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.2. Public Health and Safety
16.2.1. Accidents
Summary (20 words or less): Two previous field tests have been completed without an accident.
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.2.2. Routine Releases
Summary (20 words or less): Not applicable
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.2.3. Transportation
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT is mounted on a diesel (Mack) truck and is highly mobile.
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.3. Environmental Impacts
16.3.1. Ecological Impacts
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT posses no threat to the environment. Ecological impacts are minimal.
Further Description (unlimited length): Minimal disturbance is created to the environment since no drill pad is required. The only evidence remaining is a small 1 3/4 inch hole and tire marks.
16.3.2. Aesthetics
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.3.3. Natural Resources
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.3.4. Energy Demands
Summary (20 words or less): The truck runs on standard diesel fuel.
Further Description (unlimited length):
17. Socio-Political Interests
17.1. Public Perception
17.1.1. Proponent Reputation
Summary (20 words or less): This technology has been widely accepted in the geotechnical industry.
Further Description (unlimited length):
17.1.2. Familiarity / Understandability
Summary (20 words or less): The cone penetrometer has been used by the geotechnical industry for approximately 50 years.
Further Description (unlimited length): Its application to environmental remediation activities is relatively recent.
17.2. Tribal Rights / Future Land Use
17.2.1. Capacity for Unrestricted Use (terrestrial, aquatic)
Summary (20 words or less): Not applicable
Further Description (unlimited length):
17.3. Socio-Economic Interests
17.3.1. Economic Impacts
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
17.3.2. Labor Force Demands
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
18. Regulatory Objectives
18.1. Compatibility with Cleanup Milestones
Summary (20 words or less): The CPT has the capacity with full development completed, to accelerate clean up work simply through use a source detection tool.
Further Description (unlimited length):
18.2. Regulatory Infrastructure / Track Record
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
18.3. Regulatory Compliance
Summary (20 words or less): Not available
Further Description (unlimited length):
19. Industrial Partnerships
19.1. Company Names:
Applied Research Associates
19.2. Rationale:
Any locations where the generation of airborne contaminants or effluents during drilling is not acceptable, would also be interested in evaluating the use of the sonic or cone penetrometer technologies. In addition, there is potential for this technology to be linked with PAWS or other real-time monitoring systems. Intellectual property issues have not been discussed to date.
19.3. Contract Mechanism:
Subcontract
19.4. Other Potential Companies:
Applied Research Associates to date is the only firm which has successfully used a CPT in gravels and cobbles.
19.5. International:
N/A
20. Intellectual Property
20.1. Patent Ownership:
Intellectual property issues have not been discussed to date.
20.2. Other Owners:
N/A
20.3. Patent Number:
N/A
21. Cost Sharing:
22. Background on this technology (Where did the idea come from? Who else is doing similar work? What have the results been to date? What is the most significant competitor to this technology?):
Evolution of this technology was in the geotechnical industry approximately 50 years ago. Recently this method has been used in environmental characterization and remediation programs. To date the CPT has been used in one mixed waste site. The cone penetrometer has been used extensively by the oil and gas industry.
23. Reference Documents: