Information Last Revised: 21 July 1993
TTP Reference Number: AL221115
1. Technical Name of Technology: Inverting Membrane Borehole Instrumentation Technique
2. Common Name of Technology: SEAMIST[TM]
3. PI and Telephone No: Cecelia V. Williams, 505-844-5722, Fax: 505-844-0543
4. Affiliation: Sandia National Laboratories
5. Technology Category: Characterization and Monitoring
6. Developers: Mixed Waste Landfill Integrated Demonstration, Volatile Organic Compound Non Arid Integrated Demonstration. SEAMIST[TM] systems are now being developed and sold by Eastman Cherrington Environmental, (505) 983-3199.
7. Application
7.1. Where (in-situ/ex-situ): in-situ
7.2. Media: soil, vapor
7.3. Targeted Contaminants: volatile organics, chlorinated hydrocarbons, any other contaminants in vapor form.
8. Scope of project (feasibility study, treatability, bench, pilot, field):
Field demonstration
9. Integrated Demonstration (ID) Need/Requirements:
Depth discrete vapor sampling and pressure measurements are required to characterize and monitor contaminant plume movements in the unsaturated zone. During the operation of the Savannah River vapor extraction system, pressure profiles and multipoint vapor samples provide a three-dimensional map of air and contaminant movement parameters. The SEAMIST[TM] systems allow multiple measurements in a single hole, which can be rapidly emplaced with minimal support equipment.
10. Objective
10.1. Objective of technology (e.g. This technology will destroy VOCs in groundwater.):
Provide multiple vapor sampling/monitoring locations in a single borehole for unsaturated zone measurements; conduct air permeability measurements.
10.2. Baseline (baseline technology to which it is compared):
Conventional Borehole Instrumentation (Conv. Borehole Inst.)
11. Process Description:
SEAMIST[TM] is an instrumentation and fluid sampler emplacement technique designed for hydrologic investigations. The Membrane Instrumentation and Sampling Technique (MIST) was developed to substantially increase the quantity and quality of hydrologic and contaminant data derived from drilled or punched wells.
The key feature of the SEAMIST[TM] system is an impermeable membrane, such as coated nylon or synthetic film. The membrane is forced into the hole by the pressure in the canister. The polyester fabric membrane descends, everts, and presses against the hole wall as it is inserted, providing wall support and the effect of a continuous packer. Reversing the rotation of the reel retrieves the membrane like a rubber glove finger inversion. Monitoring instruments and pore fluid sampling devices are placed on the outer surface of the membrane, which is in contact with the hole wall when emplaced. The membrane acts as an emplacement vehicle and isolates each measurement location.
11.1. Input:
The only physical input for SEAMIST[TM] emplacements is air, which provides the deployment force and maintains the internal pressure of the membrane. For longer term use, the emplaced membranes can be filled with sand or grout.
11.2. Output:
Soil vapor is withdrawn for gas sampling and permeability measurements.
12. Summary of Technology Advantages (relative to the baseline: faster, better, cheaper, safer):
Many of the problems with conventional vadose zone monitoring techniques are eliminated or minimized by the SEAMIST[TM] design. The problems reduced are: borehole stability, single point sampling with screened wells, the inability to retrieve and repair instrumentation buried in backfill, and cross contamination of samples due to inadequate backfill seals or circulation in the well. The SEAMIST[TM] advantages are achieved with a portable, lightweight, and robust emplacement system which is fast as well as relatively inexpensive.
13. Limitations of Technology (relative to the baseline: faster, better, cheaper, safer):
The borehole must remain open, after drilling, long enough to allow deployment of the membrane (typically less than 30 minutes). If regions of swelling clays are encountered in the lithology, the membrane pressurized with air may not prevent closure of the borehole. The seal of the interface between the membrane and the borehole wall may not be as absolute as in a grouted hole, but appears to be adequate for most applications.
14. Major Technical Challenges:
Reducing fabrication costs; increasing ease of use; quantifying the quality of borehole seal in field tests.
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 for characterization technology.
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): A membrane (which may be contaminated) removed from a contaminated borehole, will constitute a solid waste.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.2.2. Treatment (needed, available)
Summary (20 words or less): Contaminated membrane may be decontaminated or disposed of.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.2.3. Decontamination / Decommissioning
Summary (20 words or less): If required, washdown is usually satisfactory.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.2.4. Disposal (needed, available)
Summary (20 words or less): If disposal is required (membrane is contaminated but not suitable for decontamination) membrane is typically less than 10 ft 3 in, mostly plastic.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3. Practicality
15.1.3.1. Foreclose Future Options
Summary (20 words or less): Membrane can be readily removed to allow reuse of the borehole.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.2. Reliability
Summary (20 words or less): Deployed systems require maintenance of modest internal pressure (with either a continuous air pressure source or sand fill) during emplaced lifetime.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.3. Failure Control
Summary (20 words or less): Internal air pressure must be maintained to prevent borehole collapse in very unstable media.
Further Description (unlimited length): This has been addressed in field usage by either sand-filling the system or providing a highly reliable air pressurization source with the installation (i.e., solar powered, battery backed air pump).
15.1.3.4. Ease of Use
Summary (20 words or less): In general, deployment can be accomplished with two people (no heavy support equipment required).
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.5. Infrastructure
Summary (20 words or less): Only borehole required
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.6. Versatility
Summary (20 words or less): SEAMIST[TM] can be used in both vertical and horizontal boreholes for liquid and vapor sampling, installation of in-situ sensors, and transportation of logging tools.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.7. System Compatibility
Summary (20 words or less): Vapor sample tubing is compatible with standard equipment used in soil gas sampling systems (Summa canisters, Tedlar bags, etc.).
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.8. Off-the-Shelf (procurement ease)
Summary (20 words or less): Membrane systems are currently custom fabricated. Delivery times range from two to six weeks, depending on complexity.
Further Description (unlimited length): Canister, pump, solar power, etc. all off-the-shelf.
15.1.3.9. Maintainability
Summary (20 words or less): Maintenance requirements are minimal, primarily related to the emplaced internal membrane pressure.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.3.10. Safety Measures
Summary (20 words or less): System is designed with relief valves to prevent overpressurization and membrane failure (more of an operational hazard than safety hazard).
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.1.4. "Works" (functions as intended):
Summary (20 words or less): Deployment rates are exceeding expectations. Vapor and liquid sampling systems are performing as desired.
Further Description (unlimited length): Some aspects of the system's performance require more time in field tests to evaluate: 1) long term performance of the membrane and sampling system materials, 2) borehole seal quality, and 3) removability of sand-filled systems.
15.2. Cost
15.2.1. Start-Up Cost
Summary (20 words or less): Membrane costs typically range from $2000 to $8000 depending on complexity. Emplacement canisters and support systems cost from $1000 to $5000.
Further Description (unlimited length): Simple borehole liners, with no instruments or samplers mounted on the membrane will typically cost $2000 for a 100'-deep, 8"-diameter hole. Fully-instrumented vapor sampling systems with permeability measurement capability, will cost up to $10,000 for a 10 elevation sampling system in a 100' borehole. Cost is dominated by membrane system complexity and overall length. Fabrication costs are continually dropping as procedures are simplified and streamlined, and as production volume increases. Canister costs and emplacement air supplies can be as low as $1000 (capable of supporting small diameter (4") blank membrane deployments in less than 100' holes) to $5000 systems for large diameter (10") vapor sampling system deployments over 200' long. These canisters are not presently being manufactured in volume, so future costs should drop. One canister can deploy and retrieve many SEAMIST[TM] membranes.
15.2.2. Operations and Maintenance Cost
Summary (20 words or less): Operating costs consist of periodic vapor sampling (for vapor sampling system). Maintenance costs are minimal.
Further Description (unlimited length): For vapor sampling systems, the operating costs are similar to those of piezometer or hydraulically emplaced vapor sample lines. Maintenance costs are primarily related to assurance that adequate internal pressure is sustained. For sand-filled systems, there is no maintenance cost. For air-filled systems, the best approach has been to use a 110V powered air pump (if site power is available) or a solar powered, battery backed DC air pump. Either of these systems requires only periodic check of its operation (once a week, for example).
15.2.3. Life-cycle cost
Summary (20 words or less): One SEAMIST[TM] system will probably function for the duration of the monitoring program, so lifecycle costs are initial cost and maintenance costs.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.3. Time
15.3.1. Years Until Available
Summary (20 words or less): SEAMIST[TM] systems are currently being sold by Eastman Cherrington Environmental, (505) 983-3199.
Further Description (unlimited length):
15.3.2. Speed/Rate
Summary (20 words or less): Up to 30 feet per minute. Setup time is one-half hour.
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): Only exposure is to borehole vapors before membrane emplacement, and to contaminants on membrane surface during decontamination (if required).
Further Description (unlimited length): One of the attributes of the SEAMIST[TM] system is that it seals off the borehole from air circulation and venting. This eliminates worker exposure to borehole vapors while the membrane is pressurized in place (even during the emplacement process itself). SEAMIST[TM] membranes have been used to line boreholes while logging tools are transported in the hole, protecting the logging personnel from vapor exposure and preventing contamination of the tool itself. Another possible source of personnel exposure is if workers need to contact the outer surface of the membrane in its emplaced configuration. In general, this does not occur and the worker is doubly protected because: 1) the membrane is usually inside out when above ground, and 2) the membrane is typically inside the canister. If the membrane is to be decontaminated, however, it will be cleaned right side out and exposure of workers to surface contamination is possible. However, equipment decontamination procedures are usually conducted with appropriate personal protective equipment.
16.1.2. Physical Requirements
Summary (20 words or less): Equipment can usually be maneuvered by two people (typical maximum weight is 150 lb, frequently less).
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.1.3. Number of People Required
Summary (20 words or less): Two, typically.
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.2. Public Health and Safety
16.2.1. Accidents
Summary (20 words or less): There are no public health issues identified.
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): Standard transportation risks.
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.3. Environmental Impacts
16.3.1. Ecological Impacts
Summary (20 words or less): No impact
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.3.2. Aesthetics
Summary (20 words or less): Installed SEAMIST[TM] systems look like sophisticated surface casings. Air blower makes noise to emplace system.
Further Description (unlimited length): After installation, almost inaudible DC pump keeps system in place.
16.3.3. Natural Resources
Summary (20 words or less): Not applicable
Further Description (unlimited length):
16.3.4. Energy Demands
Summary (20 words or less): Power requirements are very low (maximum of 10 amps, 110 volts).
Further Description (unlimited length):
17. Socio-Political Interests
17.1. Public Perception
17.1.1. Proponent Reputation
Summary (20 words or less): Eastman Cherrington has only very recently entered the field of environmental companies.
Further Description (unlimited length): They have long been a reputable drilling company and have just expanded beyond their drilling expertise to include environmental applications.
17.1.2. Familiarity / Understandability
Summary (20 words or less): This is an unusual deployment technique, difficult to visualize even by technical audiences.
Further Description (unlimited length):
17.2. Tribal Rights / Future Land Use
17.2.1. Capacity for Unrestricted Use (terrestrial, aquatic)
Summary (20 words or less): Emplaced SEAMIST[TM] systems would need to be removed for unrestricted use.
Further Description (unlimited length):
17.3. Socio-Economic Interests
17.3.1. Economic Impacts
Summary (20 words or less): It is expected that use of this technology will reduce characterization costs and increase quality of characterization effort.
Further Description (unlimited length): The economic impact of this technology will probably occur in achieving better data on contaminant distribution and effects of remediation efforts. This will hopefully reduce the degree of overkill in remediation projects.
17.3.2. Labor Force Demands
Summary (20 words or less): Because this system requires so little to emplace, it will probably decrease characterization labor demand. Training is required to use it.
Further Description (unlimited length):
18. Regulatory Objectives
18.1. Compatibility with Cleanup Milestones
Summary (20 words or less): Better characterization technologies will allow better and faster meeting of milestones.
Further Description (unlimited length):
18.2. Regulatory Infrastructure / Track Record
Summary (20 words or less): This is such a new technology that regulatory recognition is needed before widespread use. The EPA has reviewed it once.
Further Description (unlimited length):
18.3. Regulatory Compliance
Summary (20 words or less): Compliance assessment depends on regulatory acceptance.
Further Description (unlimited length):
19. Industrial Partnerships
19.1. Company Names:
19.2. Rationale:
19.3. Contract Mechanism:
19.4. Other Potential Companies:
19.5. International:
20. Intellectual Property
20.1. Patent Ownership:
SEAMIST[TM], "Underground Instrumentation Emplacement System," patent owned by Eastman Cherrington Environmental
20.2. Other Owners:
20.3. Patent Number:
5,176,207
21. Cost Sharing:
None
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?):
SEAMIST[TM] was invented to allow sampling and measurements in unsaturated flow experiments. Its potential use in the environmental characterization and monitoring arena became obvious, and development for DOE vadose zone applications was funded in 1990. Other than existing medical and sewer relining patented applications, we know of no other similar developments using inverting tubular membranes. Results of field demonstrations to date have been very positive, and current efforts are emphasizing improving assembly quality and reducing system costs.
23. Reference Documents:
Lowry, William E. and Sandra D. Drum. Survey of In-Situ Instruments Suitable for Deployment with the SEAMIST[TM] System in the Sandia Mixed Waste Landfill Integrated Demonstration. SEASF-TR-93-023. Contract #AC-6960. TTP#AL221115. Santa Fe: Science and Engineering Associates, June 1993.
Lowry, William E. and Susan M. Narbutovskih. "High Resolution Gas Permeability Measurements with the SEAMIST[TM] System." Proceedings of the Fifth National Outdoor Action Conference on the Acquifer Restoration, Ground Water Monitoring and Geophysical Methods. May 1991. Las Vegas: n.p., 1991.
Lowry, William and Carl Keller. Development of the SEAMIST[TM] Concept for Site Characterization and Monitoring: Final Report, Contract No. 02112408. Santa Fe: Science and Engineering Associates, 1992.
Keller, Carl. "So, What is the Practical Value of SEAMIST[TM]?" Proceedings of the Fifth National Outdoor Action Conference on the Acquifer Restoration, Ground Water Monitoring and Geophysical Methods. May 1991. Las Vegas: n.p., 1991.
Mallon, B., S. A. Martins, J. L. Houpis, W. Lowry and D. C. Cremer. preprint. "SEAMIST[TM] Soil Sampling for Tritiated Water: First Year's Results." submitted to Proceedings of the Sixth National Outdoor Action Conference on the Acquifer Restoration, Ground Water Monitoring and Geophysical Methods. 9-13 May 1992. Berkeley: Lawrence Livermore Laboratories, 1992.