Sintered Wave Multi-Media Polarity Conversion Treatment Apparatus and Process for Nondestructive Removal and Condensation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Other Dangerous Compounds

Abstract

Sintered Wave Multi-Media Polarity Conversion Treatment Apparatus and Process is disclosed, which uses a non-destructive physiochemical PFAS vapor emissions treatment system to provide vacuum and vapor conveyance for 1) a Polarity Conversion Unit for non-destructive PFAS removal from soil, sludges, rechargeable galvanic filter media and objects, 2) a fluids treatment line for PFAS removal from water, brines, foams and colloids, and 3) an amphiphilic decontamination wand for PFAS removal from hard surfaces. The vapor emissions treatment system uses direct spray cooling to cool treatment gases where fluid chemistry causes pre-micellular aggregates/liquids crystals formation. Filtered aggregates are dried in a Brine Pot Evaporator for off-site disposal. Residual PFAS vapors are removed through a Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator where galvanic currents offer high energy interfaces of varying charges for monomeric PFAS self-assembly. The Polarity Conversion Unit assembly uses transportable flow through vessels, static geometry, high surface area, treatment gas temperature and velocity modulation to reduce thermal resistivity of the media. Treatment gas is sequentially routed around shaped vertical media beds where thermal energy disorganizes surface polarities (Gibbs free energy) disconnecting amphiphilic compounds/mixtures from the media. The fluids treatment line uses a Surface Excess Concentrator where a surface excess complex is created, removed and dried for off-site disposal. Treated bulk fluids exit from the bottom (below the surface) and are routed to the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator. Galvanic filter media is recharged in the Polarity Conversion Unit for reuse. Hard surfaces are decontaminated using the amphiphilic decontamination wand to disorganize surface polarity. Catalytic oxidation and granular activated carbon systems are also used to capture, destroy and measure classic contaminants and cleaved hydrocarbons from fluorinated precursors during treatment.

Claims

1) A multi-media apparatus and process that can treat soil, sludge, colloids, fluids, air, metallic objects and hard surfaces to safely remove amphiphilic PFAS, amphiphilic PFAS mixtures, PFAS stabilized emulsions, PFAS stabilized microemulsions, other amphiphilic films and monomeric amphiphiles comprising of: a) Physiochemical emissions treatment system to provide system vacuum, contaminant, conveyance and contaminant condensation. b) Thermal modification/disorganization of surface polarity (Gibbs Free Energy and Coulombs Interactions) on solids and sludges through media bed geometry, air gap geometry, high surface area, treatment gas velocity modulation, treatment gas temperature modulation and focused sequential treatment where treatment gas is routed around the vertically shaped media beds to release amphiphilic PFAS and associated mixtures within a Polarity Conversion Unit using flow through treatment vessels. These techniques are used to reduce media thermal resistivity, flatten thermal gradients, disorganize surface polarity and break Van Der Waals bonds, all of which provide a reliable trigger to non-destructively remove nonvolatile amphiphilic PFAS compounds and associated mixtures from a variety of media. c) Physiochemical fluids treatment system to concentrate PFAS as a surface excess complex, remove the entire surface excess complex, convey the concentrate to an emissions-controlled Brine Pot Evaporator where the concentrate is dried to a PFAS salt powder. Residual monomeric PFAS are removed from the fluids through self-assembly within an adjustable and rechargeable granular metal galvanic media cell prior to discharge. d) Decontamination of metallic objects by placement on a flow through base framework within the Polarity Conversion Unit. e) Amphiphilic PFAS decontamination of hard surfaces with an Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand where the wand uses treatment gas velocity modulation, treatment gas temperature modulation, a containment shroud and the system physiochemical emissions system to provide vacuum, vapor conveyance and treatment.

2) A Vapor Conversion Tank to condense the majority of PFAS from hot treatment gas comprising of: a) A Cooling Chase and Mist Chamber that rapidly cools the gases through direct injection of a Cooling Fluid into the treatment gas. b) Cooling Fluid containing a mixture of water, salts, oil, urea and organic matter designed to create amphiphilic PFAS pre-micellular aggregate, PFAS micelles and liquid crystals upon rapid cooling, which are continuously filtered out of the recycled temperature-controlled Cooling Fluid. c) Cooling Fluid spray droplets designed to maximize surface area creating an evaporative environment for water vapor while maximizing PFAS amphiphilic condensation reaction surface area. d) Cooling Fluid temperature regulated to remain above ambient temperatures to prevent water vapor condensation within the Cooling Fluid and Vapor Conversion Tank. e) Upon entry to the Vapor Conversion Tank a Gibbs Energy Curtain provides a removable, flow through solid surface area comprised of media that match or closely match the polar and dispersive energies associated with PFAS compounds and associated mixtures facilitating perfect or near perfect wetting, adhesion and condensation on to the removable, disposable solid surfaces. f) Provides a mid-tank baffle and a Demisting Tower to remove any residual Cooling Fluid mists through a curved vapor pathway and an elevated exit of large cross section area equipped with a demister screen.

3) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator for removal of residual monomeric PFAS comprising of: a) An adjustable slot configuration to facilitate placement of granular metal of varying galvanic energies (galvanic or impressed currents). b) A slot configuration to facilitate placement of granular molecular sieve material/desiccant in between the various granular metals to provide a permeable bridge for galvanic currents. c) A means to measure voltage across the galvanic cell to determine the degree of amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly. d) An increased cathodic granular metal mass and a decreased anodic granular metal mass increases voltage across the cell, which provides higher energy interfaces for amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly. e) A rechargeable galvanic media; lowering voltage across the galvanic cell indicates amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly and the need for recharge f) A method for recharge consists of placing the filter media into the Polarity Conversion Unit where surface polarity is thermally disorganized releasing PFAS into the physiochemical emissions treatment system. g) A galvanic filter media unreactive to classic organic contaminants.

4) A Polarity Conversion Unit comprising of: a) A vapor tight container that facilitates placement of transportable flow through vessels for treatment of soil, sludges, galvanic filter media and objects. b) A number of adjustable treatment gas blower and heater units arranged on top of the vapor tight container. c) A series of damper valves to isolate treatment gas flow from the treatment gas blowers and heaters. d) A modified Sintercraft containing a sectionalized vapor extraction arrangement at the bottom of the vapor tight container. e) A series of damper valves to isolate treatment gas flow from the Sintercraft containing a sectionalized vapor extraction arrangement. f) A control method to cause the treatment gas blower and heaters to work in tandem with the sectionalize vapor extraction arrangements through the use of the respective damper valves. g) An access door providing a means to load and unload flow through treatment vessels.

5) A three-element flow through transportable treatment vessel Soil Slip Assembly comprising of: a) One Soil Slip Base Framework which provides the transportable flow through base and facilitates media retainage for the entire assembly. b) One Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly that shapes the media subject to polarity conversion treatment by creating vertical media beds and vertical air gaps for treatment gases to pass around the shaped beds; the Soil Slip Base Framework works in tandem to retain the bottom of the media beds while allowing treatment gas to freely flow around the shaped beds. c) One Soil Slip consisting of four walls to retain soil in the assembly; open top and bottom. The Soil Slip works in tandem with the other treatment vessel elements for media retainage, transport and treatment. d) The entire assembly is used in tandem to facilitate, transport, treatment, top loading and bottom unloading; the Soil Slip and Static Shaping Screen connect together and are simply lifted together releasing treated media from the bottom. The base frame work is lifted separately from the resulting pile where the treated media flows through the base completing a safe unloading operation minimizing dust emissions. e) The Static Soil Shaping Screen is designed to maximize reactive surface area of the media and maximize treatment gas velocity through air gap geometry. f) Static Soil Shaping Screen air gap geometry designed to facilitate reduction of thermal resistivity through treatment gas temperature/velocity modulation and surface design through surface edge turbulent flow features (obstacles placed perpendicular to treatment gas flow direction along the air gap surface).

6) Brine Pot Evaporator comprising of: a) A vapor tight vessel connected to the physiochemical emissions treatment system. b) A vapor tight vessel providing isolated connection between the physiochemical emissions system and the fluids treatment system and the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand apparatus. c) A vapor tight vessel providing foam and fluids conveyance from the Surface Excess Concentrator. d) A vapor tight vessel, when isolated, using system vacuum to draw hot air through accumulated fluids and foams to facilitate drying into PFAS salt powders. e) A vapor tight vessel that can knock down internal foam accumulation with high pressure fluids blast breaking down foam structure and accelerating foam decay. f) A vapor tight vessel that is equipped with a demisting tower that provides a large cross-sectional area elevated exit with a demister screen to reduce or eliminate entrained mists or foams upon exit.

7) Surface Excess Separator comprised of: a) A vapor tight vessel with a fluids process compartment and a foam/surface excess accumulation compartment with a shared headspace above the fluids where amphiphilic PFAS and associated mixtures are largely removed from the fluids. b) A connection with the Brine Pot Evaporator that provides system vacuum and conveyance of vapors, foams and fluids from the foam/surface excess accumulation compartment. c) Purge lines open to outside air that draw outside air through fluids in the process compartment using the applied system vacuum. d) A means of foam generation to draw long chain PFAS out of the fluids making room for shorter chain PFAS and PFAS micelles to occupy the foam/fluid interface and the area just below the foam/fluid interface creating of a surface excess complex structure. e) A means for removal of the surface excess complex structure from the fluids through a rotating belt made of materials that match or closely match the polar and dispersive energies associated with PFAS compounds and associated mixtures facilitating perfect or near perfect wetting, adhesion and condensation on to the belt. f) A means for removal of the surface excess complex structure through manipulation of belt rotational speed and depth of penetration into the fluid surface. g) A means to remove treated bulk fluids from the bottom of the process compartment, which is a distance away from the surface excess complex.

8) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator for removal of residual monomeric PFAS comprised of: a) An adjustable slot configuration to facilitate placement of granular metal of varying galvanic energies (galvanic or impressed currents). b) A slot configuration to facilitate placement of granular molecular sieve material in between the various granular metals to provide a permeable bridge for galvanic currents. c) A means to measure voltage across the galvanic cell to determine the degree of amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly. d) An increased cathodic granular metal mass and a decreased anodic granular metal mass increases voltage across the cell, which provides higher energy interfaces for amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly. e) A rechargeable galvanic media; lowering voltage across the galvanic cell indicates amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly and the need for recharge f) A method for recharge consists of placing the filter media into the Polarity Conversion Unit where surface polarity is disorganized releasing PFAS into the physiochemical emissions treatment system. g) A galvanic filter media unreactive to classic organic contaminants.

9) Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand to remove amphiphilic PFAS and associated mixtures and films from hard surfaces comprised of: a) A means to deliver high velocity hot air to a hard surface, piping system, tankage or other surfaces or apparatus (such as formerly used AFFF deployment or storage systems) under a contained environment. b) A means to adjust treatment gas for temperature and velocity. c) A means to contain and remove treatment gas after it has contacted the hard surface or surfaces subject to treatment. d) A means to connect the apparatus to the system vapor emissions treatment line assembly for treatment gas containment (vacuum) and conveyance.

10) Implement and Object Decontamination to remove amphiphilic PFAS and associated mixtures and films from objects comprised of: a) A means to place implements and objects on to a Soil Slip Base Framework for surface decontamination. b) Placement of the loaded Soil Slip Base Framework into a Polarity Conversion Unit for surface polarity disorganization, which in turn releases amphiphilic compounds, mixtures, emulsions, microemulsions and films from the surface of implements and Objects.

11) Conventional emissions treatment systems to treat and measure classic contaminants and cleaved hydrocarbons comprised of: a) A dust cyclone separator equipped with an air lock dust discharge to remove fugitive dusts from the Polarity Conversion Unit. b) An electric catalytic oxidizer that can be isolated to facilitate fractional treatment operations; in line treatment at lower concentrations to remove classic contaminants and cleaved hydrocarbon followed by a bypassed PFAS removal treatment at higher application temperatures. c) Vapor phase granular activated carbon vessels to remove chlorinated hydrocarbons and serve as a polishing treatment for PFAS. d) Use the electric catalytic oxidizer exotherm (temperature rise across the catalyst bed over treatment time) as a means to indirectly measure Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (partially fluorinated PFAS/Dark Matter), which are Perfluoroalkyl Substance (fully fluorinated) precursors that do not have a commercially available analytical methods for compound specific detection; a qualitative Macro total oxidizable precursor assay. Supplemental sample analysis for Perfluoroalkyl Substance also provide a relative means to quantify PFAS Dark Matter. e) Use laboratory analysis of granular activated carbon as a means to measure residual contaminant mass.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] A more complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained by considering the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0090] Cover Sheet: Sintered Wave Multimedia Polarity Conversion Apparatus and Process

[0091] FIG. 1 General Cross Section Including Implements, Vapor Line and Fluids Line Assembly

[0092] FIG. 2 General Map View including Implements, Vapor Line and Fluids Line Assemblies

[0093] FIG. 3 Polarity Conversion Unit

[0094] FIG. 4 Polarity Conversion Unit w/ Soil Slip Assemblies Cross Section

[0095] FIG. 5 Modified Sintercraft Pad Perspective View

[0096] FIG. 6 Modified Sintercraft Pad Map View

[0097] FIG. 7 Soil Slip Base Framework Perspective View

[0098] FIG. 8 Soil Slip Base Framework Cross Section

[0099] FIG. 9 Soil Slip Base Framework Map View

[0100] FIG. 10 Soil Slip Perspective View

[0101] FIG. 11 Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly Perspective View

[0102] FIG. 12 Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly Cross Section

[0103] FIG. 13 Vapor Conversion Tank Perspective View

[0104] FIG. 14 Vapor Conversion Tank Entrance Cross Section

[0105] FIG. 15 Vapor Conversion Tank Front View Cross Section

[0106] FIG. 16 Vapor Conversion Tank Exit Cross Section

[0107] FIG. 17 Vapor Conversion Tank Rear Cross Section

[0108] FIG. 18 Vapor Conversion Tank Map View

[0109] FIG. 19 Vapor Conversion Tank Interior Elements Perspective View

[0110] FIG. 20 Vapor Conversion Tank Interior Elements Cross Section

[0111] FIG. 21 Gibbs Energy Curtain Perspective View

[0112] FIG. 22 Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Perspective View

[0113] FIG. 23 Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Housing Cross Section

[0114] FIG. 24 Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Housing Map View without Lid

[0115] FIG. 25 Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Assemblies Cross Section

[0116] FIG. 26 Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Filter Media Cross Section

[0117] FIG. 27 Brine Pot Evaporator Assembly Perspective View

[0118] FIG. 28 Brine Pot Evaporator Assembly Cross Section

[0119] FIG. 29 Brine Pot Evaporator Assembly Map View

[0120] FIG. 30 Brine Pot Evaporator Interior Elements Perspective View

[0121] FIG. 31 Brine Pot Evaporator Interior Elements Cross Section

[0122] FIG. 32 Surface Excess Concentrator Assemblies Perspective View

[0123] FIG. 33 Surface Excess Concentrator Assemblies Cross Section

[0124] FIG. 34 Surface Excess Concentrator Map View without Lid

[0125] FIG. 35 Surface Excess Concentrator Interior Elements Perspective View

[0126] FIG. 36 Surface Excess Concentrator Interior Elements Cross Section

[0127] FIG. 37 Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Perspective View

[0128] FIG. 38 Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Cross Section

[0129] FIG. 39 Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Map View without Lid

[0130] FIG. 40 Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Assemblies Cross Section

[0131] FIG. 41 Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Filter Media Cross Section

[0132] FIG. 42 Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand Perspective View

[0133] FIG. 43 Implement and Object Decontamination Base Framework Perspective View

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0134] These reference numbers are used in the drawings to refer to areas and features of the invention with a brief description of the items purpose. [0135] (1) Polarity Conversion Unit; provides sealed contained treatment, sectional/sequential treatment, modulation of treatment gas, and velocity modulation of the treatment gas. [0136] (2) Blower; provides velocity modulation of the treatment gas. [0137] (3) Heater; provides flameless temperature modulation of the treatment gas. [0138] (4) Modified Sintercraft Pad; provides system vacuum, sectional and sequential treatment in concert with the Polarity Conversion Unit. [0139] (5) Individual Extraction Line; provides applied vacuum to system and treatment gas conveyance. [0140] (6) Vapor Extraction Isolation Damper; isolates treatment gas flow within the system; directs applied vacuum and directional flow. [0141] (7) Vapor Extraction Manifold; Creates isolated treatment zones. [0142] (8) Cyclone Dust Separator; Static in-line system that removes fugitive dusts from the extraction line prior to emissions treatment system. [0143] (9) Catalytic Oxidizer Bypass Damper; Isolates Catalytic Oxidizer in order for it to be on line or by-passed depending on contaminant under treatment or stage of treatment. [0144] (10) Electric Catalytic Oxidizer; Destroys classic organic contaminants such as fuel range hydrocarbons and cleaved hydrocarbons using flameless oxidation and measures contaminant mass through the catalyst exotherm (temperature rise across the catalyst through time). [0145] (11) Cooling Chase; Cooling hot air through direct injection of fluid of varying droplet size. [0146] (12) Cooling Chase Cooling Fluid Line; Cooling Fluid recirculated from the Vapor Conversion Tank. [0147] (13) Mist Chamber; Small fluid droplets injected to create an evaporative environment for water. [0148] (14) Vapor Conversion Tank; Condenses PFAS through a physiochemical process. [0149] (15) Gibbs Energy Curtain Access; Disposable curtain materials selected to match energy of condensed contaminant; matching polar and dispersive energy profiles of contaminant and curtain material. [0150] (16) Purge Line; Using system vacuum, ambient air is drawn into the Vapor Conversation tank to cool the fluid, create increased surface area within the fluid and to maintain fluid temperature above ambient temperature. [0151] (17) Vapor Conversion Tank Demister Tower; Removes residual mists through large cross-sectional area of the tower, tower height and a demister screen. [0152] (18) Filter Housing; removes pre-micellular aggregate and liquid crystals precipitated within the cooling fluid. [0153] (19) Jet Pump; Removes cooling fluid from the Vapor Conversion Tank and delivers the fluid to the Cooling Chase and Mist Chamber. [0154] (20) First Vapor Extraction Blower (in series); First system vacuum extraction blower that provides system vacuum and treatment gas conveyance. [0155] (21) Bearing Cooling Water Tank (First Blower); Stores water that is circulated through the Vapor Extraction Blower to cool the bearings during operation. [0156] (22) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator; Uses galvanic currents (galvanic or impressed currents) to offer high energy interfaces of varying charges to cause amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly on the galvanic media in vapor phase. [0157] (23) Vapor Phase Granulated Activated Carbon Vessel (2 in series); Uses vapor phase granular activated carbon to absorb residual PFAS as a final emissions treatment. [0158] (24) Second Vapor Extraction Blower (in series); Second system vacuum extraction blower in series that provides system vacuum and treatment conveyance for the vapor phase galvanic separator and vapor phase granular activated carbon treatment systems. [0159] (25) Bearing Cooling Water Tank (Second Blower); Stores water that is circulated through the Vapor Extraction Blower to cool the bearings during operation. [0160] (26) Vent Stack; Provides the final exit of treated treatment gases at elevation. [0161] (27) Vent Stack Weather Cover; Protects vent Stack from weather intrusion. [0162] (28) Brine Tank Vapor Extraction Line (Connects to 7); System vacuum and vapor conveyance is applied to the fluids treatment assembly line. [0163] (29) Brine Pot Evaporator; Assembly dries, in isolated batch runs, accumulated fluids/foams to a powder by drawing hot treatment gases through fluids in tank; tank connected to emission treatment line. [0164] (30) Brine Pot Demister Tower; Removes residual mists through large cross-sectional area of the tower, tower height and a demister screen. [0165] (31) Blower; Provides air to flameless heater. [0166] (32) Heater; Provides flameless heat drawn through fluids for evaporation/drying. [0167] (33) Vapor/Foam/Fluids Extraction Line/Valve; Provides system vacuum to Surface Excess Concentrator headspace and conveyance of foam/fluid mixture to the Brine Pot Evaporator. [0168] (34) Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand Flexible Extraction Line/Valve; Provides connection to system vacuum, emissions treatment and conveyance of PFAS vapors from the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand to the emissions treatment line. [0169] (35) Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand; Provides temperature and velocity modulated treatment gas directly to hard surfaces under a shroud to alter surface polarity for amphiphilic PFAS removal. [0170] (36) First Fluids Pump (in series); Provide conveyance of fluids to the fluid treatment line assembly. [0171] (37) Surface Excess Concentrator; Provides mechanisms to concentrate and remove surface excess in foam and the upper surface of the fluids; removes long chain PFAS (in foam) and short chain PFAS (at fluid surface) and PFAS micelles just below the surface. [0172] (38) Surface Excess Concentrator Purge Lines; Using system vacuum, ambient air is drawn through the purge lines and through the fluids tank to create bubbles, which in turn concentrates long chain PFAS in foam, short chain PFAS at the fluid surface and PFAS micelles just below the surface. [0173] (39) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator (2 in series); Uses galvanic currents (galvanic or impressed currents) to offer high energy interfaces of varying charges to cause amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly on the galvanic media in aqueous conditions. [0174] (40) Second Fluids Pump (in series); Provides conveyance of treated fluids to final discharge point. [0175] (41) Powder Vacuum Assembly; Provides safe means to remove dried PFAS powder from the Brine Pot Evaporator or other areas of the apparatus using the system vacuum, vapor/powder conveyance and emissions treatment. The powder is deposited into a standard storage drum. [0176] (42) Catalytic Oxidizer Dilution Valve; In the event of an over-temperature situation in the catalyst bed, the dilution valve is opened where system vacuum draws cool ambient outside air into the catalyst bed for cooling. High hydrocarbon concentration is the primary cause for an over-temperature situation. [0177] (43) Blower/Heater Isolation Damper; Provides a means to isolate a given Blower/Heater assembly from the Polarity Conversion Unit when the given Blower/Heater assembly is not in operation. [0178] (44) Soil Slip Base Framework; Provides a multi-purpose flow-through framework base for treatment of soil, sludges and objects. The Base accommodates the Soil Slip Assembly including the Soil Shaping Screen or rechargeable filter media (from the Galvanic Separators). The Base has forklift pockets to accommodate transport of a variety of assemblies for treatment. [0179] (45) Soil Slip Base Framework used to Decontaminate Objects; Provides a transportable flow through framework base to accommodate decontamination of metallic implements such as drilling implements and excavator buckets. Metallic surfaces are high energy interfaces where amphiphilic PFAS will self-assemble; disorganizing surface polarity removes amphiphiles. [0180] (46) Heater Isolation Damper; Provides isolation from Polarity Conversion Unit when a given blower/heater assembly is not in operation. The damper opens in concert with a given on line Vapor Extraction Chamber. [0181] (47) Brine Pot Evaporator Connection Valve; Provides system vacuum, vapor conveyance and emission treatment connection for the Brine Pot Evaporator and other fluid line treatment elements. [0182] (48) Brine Pot Vapor Extraction Line Damper Valve; Provides Brine Pot Evaporator isolation when off line. [0183] (49) Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly; Provides a means to create shapes for soil or sludge with specific shaped air gaps where treatment gas can be drawn around the shaped vertical beds. The Static Soil Shaping Screen geometry is designed to offer high surface area and create low thermal resistivity along the soil bed surfaces. Modulating treatment gas temperature and velocity further reduces thermal resistivity at the soil bed surfaces. [0184] (50) Soil Slip; Provide four walls to contain soil and sludge in concert with the Static Soil Shaping Screen and Soil Slip Base Framework; all flow-through structures that can accommodate treatment, top loading, transport and bottom empty capability after treatment. [0185] (51) Isolated Vapor Extraction Chamber; Provide a means to isolate treatment to a small section using damper valves. [0186] (52) Soil Retention Tab; Within the Soil Slip Base Framework, provides a bottom to retain soil or sludge held in the Static Soil Shaping Screen and Soil Slip. Accommodates treatment air flowing around shaped vertical soil or sludge beds. [0187] (53) Flow through Air Gap; Within the Soil Slip Base Framework, provides an air gap for treatment gases to freely flow around shaped vertical soil or sludge beds. [0188] (54) Forklift Pockets; Provides a means to transport a variety of assemblies for treatment. [0189] (55) Isolated Vapor Extraction Chamber Register; Allows for Soil Slip Assemblies to be placed into the Polarity Conversion Unit in either direction; no front or back to Soil Slip assembly. [0190] (56) Soil Slip Open Top and Bottom; The Soil Slip is part of a three-element system to contain, top load, transport, treat and bottom empty treated media. The Soil Slip is a flow through device with on top and bottom; just four walls. [0191] (57) Soil Slot; Provides a space for soil or sludge to occupy during transport and treatment. The space offers a high reactive surface area for concentrated temperature and velocity modulated treatment gas to flow across. The surface area is designed in such a way to reduce thermal resistivity, which in turn alters surface polarity that triggers amphiphilic PFAS to lose adhesion to surfaces. [0192] (58) Air Gap; Provide a space for treatment gas to flow across vertical soil beds where temperature and velocity can be modulated to reduce thermal resistivity and in turn disorganize surface polarity. [0193] (59) Air Gap Cover; Prevent soil or sludge from entering the air gap. [0194] (60) Soil Fill Line; Designates the level for soil or sludge is to be filled up to. [0195] (61) Vapor Conversion Tank Cooling Fluid Return Line; Provides conveyance for cooling fluid from the bottom of the Vapor Conversion Tank through the Filter housing to the Jet Pump. [0196] (62) Cooling Chase Spray Nozzle; Provides a fan spray array across the vapor flow path for cooling. [0197] (63) Vapor Conversion Tank View Window; Provides visual observation inside the Vapor Conversion Tank. [0198] (64) Vapor Conversion Tank Fluid Sample Port; Provides a means to sample the cooling fluid at the bottom of the tank. [0199] (65) Vapor Conversion Tank Access Hatch; Provides access to the inside of the Vapor Conversion Tank for maintenance. [0200] (66) Vapor Conversion Tank Gibbs Energy Curtain; Provides surface area for surface energy matching condensation. The curtain material is designed to match the polar and dispersive surface energy of the condensing contaminant. [0201] (67) Vapor Conversion Tank Vapor Diversion Baffle; Provides a vapor pathway that will shed mists and further cool vapors prior to exiting the Vapor Conversion Tank. [0202] (68) Fluid Level; The optimum level of cooling fluid. [0203] (69) Vapor Conversion Tank Cooling Fluid; The cooling fluid is primarily water with additives including alcohols, salts, hydrocarbon surfactant and urea (one or more of these additives). [0204] (70) Gibbs Energy Curtain Tab; The energy matching material in which a contaminant will condense due to polar and dispersive energy matching. [0205] (71) Gibbs Energy Curtain Air Gap; Allows treatment gases to pass through for further treatment. [0206] (72) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Tank Lid; Provides a vapor tight seal to the Galvanic Separator Housing. [0207] (73) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Inlet; Provides an entrance to treatment gas where the cross-sectional area increases as the vapor approaches the galvanic filter media to slow gas velocity. [0208] (74) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Outlet; Provides an exit for the treatment gas. [0209] (75) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Granular Metal Slot; Provides a vertical bed for granular metal particles of varying galvanic energies. The granular nature of the metal particles offers high surface area in a small space. Further, the volume of the anodic metal particles can be reduced in mass to increase the electrical voltage across the galvanic cell. [0210] (76) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Granular Desiccant Bridge Slot; Provides a vertical bed for granular desiccant media to bridge between the various granular metal vertical beds. Desiccant absorbs water, which will conduct electrical energy between the galvanic cell members. [0211] (77) Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Rechargeable Filter Media; The filter media is rechargeable. The charge distribution across the galvanic cell offers multiple charge scenarios (high energy interfaces) for different charged amphiphilic PFAS to occupy different portions of the cell. As the surface area of the granular metallic media becomes occupied with a self-assembled amphiphilic PFAS monolayers, the voltage decreases due to reduced galvanic potential. Voltage drops across the galvanic cell indicates the degree of amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly that has occurred across the galvanic cell. The media is recharged by placing the media in a Soil Slip Assembly and treating the assembly in the Polarity Conversion Unit. [0212] (78) Brine Pot Access Hatch; Provides access to the interior of the Brine Pot Evaporator. [0213] (79) Brine Pot Fluid Level Window; Provides a view of fluids level. [0214] (80) Brine Pot Water Spray Foam Knock Down Assembly; Provides a method to knock down accumulated foams for treatment. High pressure bursts of cooling fluid from the Vapor Conversion Tank provide a means to break down foam structure and reduce foam levels. [0215] (81) Brine Pot Drain Valve; Provides a means to drain the brine Pot Evaporator Tank. [0216] (82) Brine Pot Purge Lines; Provides the conveyance for heated air to be drawn through the fluids in the Brine Pot Evaporator. Heated are, up to 1,100 F evaporate the fluids in the tank. [0217] (83) Brine Pot Water Spray Foam Knock Down Spray Nozzle; Provides a wide fan of high-pressure cooling fluid from the vapor Conversion Tank to break down accumulated foam structure and reduce foam levels. [0218] (84) Brine Pot Evaporator Fluid level; The optimal fluid level for evaporation. [0219] (85) Surface Excess Concentrator Inlet; Provides entry of untreated fluids into the Surface [0220] Excess Concentrator. [0221] (86) Surface Excess Concentrator Outlet; Provides an exit for treated fluids. The intake of the exit is located at the bottom of the Fluids Process Tank (92), which is away from the surface excess present in the resulting foam and layer of fluids at the foam fluid interface. The outlet is at the same elevation as the inlet to maintain gravity flow. [0222] (87) Surface Excess Concentrator Foam Belt; Provide separation of the foam and the foam/fluid interface through belt rotation speed and polar and dispersive energy matching the belt media with the contaminant. [0223] (88) Surface Excess Concentrator Fluids Process Tank; Provides space for fluids treatment that concentrates surface excess within the range of the belt (87). [0224] (89) Surface Excess Concentrator Foam Tank; Provides a means to apply system vacuum over the entire unit and vapor/foam/fluids conveyance to the Brine Pot Evaporator. The foam and fluid concentrate are drawn to the Brine Pot Evaporator by the applied system vacuum. [0225] (90) Surface Excess Concentrator Fluids Exit Piping (bottom Intake in Fluids Process Tank); provides a means to allow treated fluids to exit without contacting the concentrated surface excess zones. [0226] (91) Surface Excess Concentrator Access Hatch; Provides access to the interior of the vessel. [0227] (92) Surface Excess Concentrator Fluids Exit Piping Bottom Intake in 88; Provides bottom exit of the Fluids Process Tank, which is away from the concentrated surface excess present in the resulting foam and layer of fluids at the foam fluid interface. [0228] (93) Foam; Foam is generated by outside air, drawn from system vacuum, passing through the fluids. Long chain PFAS are typically incorporated into foams. [0229] (94) Fluids Level in Fluids Process Tank; Provides a means to measure fluids level in the tank. [0230] (95) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Inlet; Provides access into the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator. [0231] (96) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Lid; Provides access into Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator. [0232] (97) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Outlet; Provides an exit for treated fluids. [0233] (98) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Granular Metal Slot; Provides a vertical bed for granular metal particles of varying galvanic energies. The granular nature of the metal particles offers high surface area in a small space. Further the volume of the anodic metal particles can be reduced in mass to increase the electrical voltage across the galvanic cell. [0234] (99) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Granular Molecular Sieve Bridge Slot; Provides a vertical bed for granular molecular sieve media to bridge between the various granular metal vertical beds. [0235] (100) Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Rechargeable Filter Media; The filter media is rechargeable. The charge distribution across the galvanic cell offers multiple charge scenarios (high energy interfaces) for different charged amphiphilic PFAS to occupy different portions of the cell. As the surface area of the granular metallic media becomes occupied with a self-assembled amphiphilic PFAS monolayers, the voltage decreases due to reduced galvanic potential. Voltage drops across the galvanic cell indicates the degree of amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly that has occurred across the galvanic cell. The media is recharged by placing the media in a Soil Slip Assembly and treating the assembly in the Polarity Conversion Unit. [0236] (101) Amphiphilic Wand Hard Pipe Vapor Extraction Handle; Provides vacuum, vapor conveyance and a handle to manipulate the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand. [0237] (102) Amphiphilic Wand Heater/Blower Assembly; Provides treatment gas (air) to the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand. Treatment gases are modulated for velocity and temperature. [0238] (103) Amphiphilic Wand Shroud; Provides an enclosed area for decontaminating hard surfaces. [0239] (104) Sediment Baffle; Prevents sediment transport across the floor of the Vapor Conversion Tank. [0240] (105) Access Door into Polarity Conversion Unit; Provides access for loading and unloading soil slip assemblies into and out of the Polarity Conversion Unit. [0241] (106) Light Port; provides a viewing window that light can be shined into the interior of the Vapor Conversion Tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Preferred Embodiment

1. Overview

[0242] The Cover Sheet presents a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the Sintered Wave Multimedia Polarity Conversion Apparatus and Process. FIG. 1 presents a General Cross Section Including Implements, Vapor Line and Fluids Line Assembly. FIG. 2 presents a General Map View including Implements, Vapor Line and Fluids Line Assemblies. Other Figures present detailed views of the various elements of this invention.

[0243] The Polarity Conversion Unit (1) provides a means to use a contained arrangement to treat soils, sludges, rechargeable galvanic filter media, and objects. Treatment gases (air) are drawn into the apparatus through a blower(s) (2), which then delivers the air to an electric heater(s) (3). The blower (2) and heater (3) work in conjunction to modulate temperature and velocity delivered into the Polarity Conversion Unit.

[0244] There are a number of blower (2) and heater (3) assemblies mounted on top of the Polarity Conversion Unit. Only selected blower (2) and heater (3) assemblies are in operation at any given time providing focused treatment gas delivery to small sections delivered sequentially across the Polarity Conversion Unit (1). Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies are isolated from the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) when not in operation by a Blower/Heater assembly Isolation Damper (43). The blower (2) and heater (3) assemblies operate in tandem with the Modified Sintercraft Pad (4) where an individual extraction line (5) can be isolated with an Vapor Extraction Isolation Damper (6). The Vapor Extraction Manifold (7) connects an individual Vapor Extraction Line (5) to the apparatus vapor extraction system and Vapor Line Assembly through the main Vapor Extraction Line to Emissions Treatment (46). The Soil Slip assembly that contains soil, sludge, galvanic filter media or objects are placed inside the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) for treatment through the Access Doors (105) are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and are described in detail in Section 2 below.

[0245] As part of the emissions treatment, a Cyclone Dust Separator (8) removes any fugitive dusts that escaped the Polarity Conversion Unit (1). In the event that soils or sludges contain PFAS and Hydrocarbon as co-contaminants the Catalytic Oxidizer Bypass Damper (9) causes the treatment gases to flow through the Electric Catalytic Oxidizer (10) in order to destroy and measure hydrocarbons or cleaved hydrocarbons. An Electric Catalytic Oxidizer is used to limit production of oxides of Nitrogen (Nox) and oxides of Sulphur (Sox) in the emissions. Flame based oxidizers produce Nox and Sox. The electric oxidizer, which has no flame-based heat source, maintains operational temperature below the auto formation temperature of Nox and Sox. In a PFAS/Hydrocarbon co-contaminant situation or during a macro Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay, the Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies will operate at lower temperatures to remove the hydrocarbons or cleave hydrocarbons from unsaturated Polyfluoroalkyls before PFAS is released from the soil or sludge. If the concentration of hydrocarbon exceeds a certain pre-set concentration, which could cause the catalyst to over-heat, the Electric Catalytic Oxidizer will activate the Catalytic Oxidizer Dilution Valve (42) to open to cool the catalyst. In turn the Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies mounted on the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) will reduce flows and temperature to accommodate catalyst cooling.

[0246] When hydrocarbons and/or cleaved hydrocarbons have been removed from the media under treatment, the Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies will increase treatment gas temperature and the Catalytic Oxidizer Bypass Damper (9) will be closed causing the treatment gas to bypass the Electric Catalytic Oxidizer (10).

[0247] Hot treatment gases enter the Cooling Chase (11) for cooling. The Cooling Chase Cooling Fluid Line (12) delivers cooling fluid through high pressure water jets and misting nozzles mounted in the Cooling Chase (11) and the Mist Chamber (13). Cooling fluids are directly sprayed into the treatment gas for cooling. The fine droplet size and the pressurized delivery cause an evaporative environment to exist within the Cooling Chase (11) and the Mist Chamber (13), which in turn dramatically and rapidly reduces temperature of the treatment gas. In order to prevent water from condensing out of the treatment gas, the cooling fluid is maintained above ambient outdoor temperature. The cooled treatment gas enters the Vapor Conversation Tank (14) where the gas encounters the Gibbs Energy Curtain (not shown in FIG. 1 or 2). The Gibbs Energy Curtain Access (15) allows replacement of disposable elements of the curtain. Internal Purge Lines (16) are located at the bottom of the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) to allow outside air to be drawn into the tank by the applied system vacuum and bubble through the cooling fluid in the tank. The bubbles cool the fluids just above ambient outside temperature and promote mixing within the cooling fluid. Treatment gases flow through the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) around an internal baffle (not shown in FIG. 1 or 2) and up through the Vapor Conversion Tank Demister Tower (17) where the gases flow to other elements of the emissions treatment system. The cooling fluids are continually recycled from the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) where a Filter Housing (18) removes PFAS pre-micellular aggregate and liquids crystals that precipitate when the cooling fluid causes a sudden and rapid drop in temperature in the Cooling Chase (11). Certain chemicals mixed with the cooling fluids enhance the formation of PFAS aggregates and liquids crystals. The Jet Pump (19) draws the cooling fluids out of the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) through the Filter Housing (18) and pushes the filtered cooling fluid through the Cooling Chase Cooling Fluid Line (12) to the Cooling Chase (11) and Mist Chamber (13).

[0248] The First Vapor Extraction Blower (in series) (20) applies vacuum pressure and provides treatment gas conveyance for the entire apparatus. The First Vapor Extraction Blower (in series) (20) bearing assembly is cooled with water stored in the Bearing Cooling Water Tank (First Blower) (21). The bearing cooling system allows for a higher tolerance in temperature of the treatment gas.

[0249] Treatment gas is then routed into the Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator (22) where residual PFAS that escaped the Vapor Conversation Tank (14) encounter a galvanic sequence of granulated metal that offer high surface area, high energy interfaces of varying charges for amphiphilic self-assembly. The resulting voltage can be galvanic or impressed generated currents. Voltage drops across the galvanic cell indicate active self-assembly and provide an indication of PFAS mass within the filter media. The galvanic filter media can be recharged by placing the filter assembly in the Polarity Conversion Unit (1). Traditional Vapor Phase Granular Activated Carbon Vessels (2 in series) (23) are used as a final emission polishing treatment.

[0250] The Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator (22) and the Vapor Phase Granular Activated Carbon Vessels (2 in series) (23) are maintained under vacuum pressure by a Second Vapor Extraction Blower (in series) (24) to prevent any leakage during treatment. The Second Vapor Extraction Blower (in series) (24) bearing assembly is cooled with water stored in the Bearing Cooling Water Tank (Second Blower) (25). The Second Vapor Extraction Blower (in series) (24) discharges the treated clean treatment gas to the Vent Stack (26) and through the Vent Stack Weather Cover (27) to the atmosphere at elevation.

[0251] The Fluids Line Assembly is connected to the Vapor Line Assembly through the Brine Pot Evaporator Connection Valve (47), which connects to the Vapor Extraction Manifold (7). System vacuum is used to contain, treat and convey PFAS saturated fluids and foams while providing a means for vapor phase treatment. The Brine Pot Vapor Extraction Line (28) draws PFAS vapors from the Brine Pot Evaporator (29). Vapors exit the Brine Pot Evaporator (29) through the Brine Pot Demister Tower (30), which is designed to remove any mists from the vapor stream before entry into the vapor line assembly. The Brine Pot Evaporator (29) is equipped with a Blower (31) and Heater (32) that provide hot air into the vessel to facilitate drying of PFAS fluids concentrate in an isolated batch process.

[0252] The Brine Pot Evaporator (29) has isolated two lines connected to downstream implements. The first line is the Vapor/Foam/Fluids Extraction Line (33) that provides vacuum pressure to the Surface Excess Concentrator (37) and a means of conveyance for separated foam/fluid PFAS concentrate. The second line is the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand Flexible Extraction Line (34), which provides vacuum pressure and treatment gas conveyance for the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand (35). The Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand (35) is used to decontaminate hard surfaces such as metal, concrete or other similar hard surfaces where amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly occurs. The Brine Pot Evaporator (29) creates a pressure drop in the vapor stream flow causing foams/fluids to drop out of the vapor stream where all emissions are routed to the vapor line assembly for emissions treatment. Accumulated foams/fluids are subsequently dried into a powder in the Brine Pot Evaporator (29) in a batch process. The Powder Vacuum Assembly (41) is used to remove dried PFAS powder from the Brine Pot Evaporator (29). The Powder Vacuum Assembly (41) is connected to the Vapor Extraction Line to Emissions Treatment (46). System vacuum provides vacuum and powder conveyance into a disposal drum or vessel; the pressure drop in the drum allows for powder accumulation.

[0253] The fluids treatment of this invention begins with the First Fluids Pump (in series) (36) where raw untreated fluids such as landfill leachate or sewer plant waste water is drawn into the apparatus. The First Fluids Pump (in series) (36) discharges fluids into the Surface Excess Concentrator (37). Amphiphilic PFAS are attracted to high energy interfaces such as the air/water interface or an air/fluid interface. The accumulation of amphiphilic compounds at the interface is termed Surface Excess. Once an interface area has been covered by an amphiphilic monolayer, amphiphilic micelles and monomers form within the bulk of the fluids. When the surface excess is removed, micelles and monomers in the bulk will self-assemble at the newly exposed interface. The Surface Excess Concentrator (37) takes advantage of the reliable self-assembly of amphiphilic PFAS compounds as a primary removal technique. System vacuum applied to the Surface Excess Concentrator (37) through the Vapor/Foam/Fluids Extraction Line (33) draws outside air into the Surface Excess Concentrator Purge Lines (38) and through the fluids, which in turn causes foam formation, a saturated PFAS amphiphilic layer at the foam/fluid interface and a PFAS micelle layer just below the surface. The foam and the saturated PFAS amphiphilic layers are removed by the Foam Belt (43) for subsequent treatment. The Foam Belt (87) is designed to have specific polar and dispersive surface energies to match or nearly match PFAS amphiphilic mixtures for maximum adhesion to the belt. The belt speed is modulated to recover the foam and the upper layer of the fluids for removal of the entire surface excess column around the interface. Residual PFAS monomers are treated downstream of the Surface Excess Concentrator (37) The final treatment for the fluids line is the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator (2 in series) (39); two vessels are assembled in series. The Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator presents a galvanic sequence of granulated metal that offer high surface area, high energy interfaces of varying charges for amphiphilic self-assembly. Voltage drops across the galvanic cell indicate active self-assembly and provide an indication of PFAS mass within the filter media. The galvanic filter media can be recharged by placing the filter assembly in the Polarity Conversion Unit (1). The Second Fluids Pump (in series) (40) provide enough suction to the fluids to overcome the applied vacuum in the Surface Excess Concentrator (37). The Second Fluids Pump (in series) (40) discharges clean treated fluids to an appropriate discharge point.

[0254] FIG. 1 presents the map view of the Soil Slip Base Framework (44), which is a flow through multipurpose device. All media arrangements treated in the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) fit onto the Soil Slip Base framework including soil, sludges, rechargeable galvanic media (vapor and aqueous phase) and objects. The Soil Slip Base Framework used to Decontaminate Objects (45) is shown on FIG. 1. Objects, mainly drill implements and excavator implements, are placed on the framework and inserted into the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) where surface polarities are thermally disorganized releasing PFAS amphiphilic films.

2. Detailed Description of the Invention Elements

[0255] FIG. 3 presents Polarity Conversion Unit Perspective View. The Polarity Conversion Unit (1) is shown in greater detail where the Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies are shown. There are a number of Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies mounted on top of the Polarity Conversion Unit. Each of those assemblies can be isolated from the Polarity Conversion unit through an Blower/Heater Assembly Isolation Damper (43) when the assembly is off line. The Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies work in tandem with the Modified Sintercraft Pad (4). The Modified Sintercraft Pad (4) has a sectionalized vapor extraction design where small sections can be treated sequentially in coordination with the Polarity Conversion Unit (1). Individual Extraction Lines (5) are isolated with Isolation Dampers (6) to facilitate isolated treatment zones. Dampers (6) are open when an array of Blower (2) and Heater (3) assemblies are in operation while at the same time a set of dampers (6) open for Individual Extraction Lines (5) directly below. The interior of the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) is accessed by the Access Door (105) for loading and unloading.

[0256] The Vapor Extraction Manifold (7) provides isolated Individual Extraction Lines (5) a connection to the Vapor Extraction Line to Emissions Treatment (46). In addition, the Vapor Extraction Manifold (7) provides a connection for the Brine Pot Evaporator (29) through the Brine Pot Evaporator Connection Valve (47). The Brine Pot Vapor Extraction Line Damper Valve (48) provides isolation during Brine Pot Evaporator (29) operations.

[0257] FIG. 4 presents Polarity Conversation Unit w/ Soil Slip Assemblies Cross Section. This cross-sectional view illustrates how the various assemblies fit together when in operation. Mounted on top of the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) are a number of Blower (2), Heater (3) and Heater/Blower Isolation Damper (43) assemblies. These assemblies work in tandem with the Modified Sintercraft Pad (4) and assorted elements within the Pad. A transportable flow through treatment vessel consists of a Soil Slip Base Framework (44), a Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly (49) and a Soil Slip (50). When combined together, all three elements create a transportable, flow though treatment vessel that is capable of treating soil, other porous media, sludges, colloidal matter and rechargeable galvanic filter media. The vessel is loaded from the top and empties from the bottom by simply using a forklift to lift the Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly (49) and a Soil Slip (50) upwards together; the media falls through the lifted assembly. The Soil Slip Base Framework (44) is removed from the treated media pile by a forklift in a separate lift operation; treated media flows through the base as it is lifted from the pile. Tabs in the Soil Slip Base Framework hold the media in place during transport and treatment as described below in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9. The vessels are loaded and unloaded from the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) through the Access Door (105).

[0258] FIG. 4 also show different elements of the Modified Sintercraft Pad (4) including the Vapor Extraction Manifold (7), Individual Extraction Line (5), Vapor Extraction Isolation Damper (6), Vacuum Extraction Line to Emissions (46), Brine Pot Evaporator Connection Valve (47) and a partial view of the Brine Pot Vapor Extraction Line Damper Valve (48). All of these elements are designed to provide system vacuum and vapor conveyance to select portions of the system during various stages of operation.

[0259] FIG. 5 presents Modified Sintercraft Pad Perspective View and FIG. 6 presents Modified Sintercraft Pad Map View. The Isolated Vapor Extraction Chamber (51) provides a means to isolate system vacuum and treatment gas flow to the area above through the use of Individual Extraction Lines (5) controlled by Vapor Extraction Isolation Dampers (6). There are two Individual Extraction Lines (5) located in each Isolated Vapor Extraction Chamber (51). One line is short while one line is longer to allow even flow through the treatment vessel assembly. Vapor Extraction Isolation Dampers (6) allow treatment to be focused on one side of the treatment vessel or the other within a given Isolated Vapor Extraction Chamber (51). The Brine Pot Evaporator Connection Valve (47) is clearly shown along with the Brine Pot Vapor Extraction Line Damper Valve (48); these elements provide system vacuum and vapor conveyance to the Fluids line assembly. Vapors are treated in the Emission treatment described above.

[0260] FIG. 7 presents Soil Slip Base Framework Perspective View. FIG. 8 presents Soil Slip Base Framework Cross Section. FIG. 9 presents Soil Slip Base Framework Cross Section. The Soil Slip Base Framework (44) is a common element for a variety of treatment arrangements; the unit provides the base lifting apparatus, transport, retainage of media above, allows flow through treatment, top loading and bottom emptying capability. The Base is lifted with a forklift using the Forklift Pockets (54). The Soil Slip Base Framework (44) also serves as the base for object decontamination; typically drill rod and excavator buckets/implements. The Soil Slip Base Framework (44) has Soil Retention Tabs (52) and Flow Through Air Gaps (53) that line up with the Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly (49). This arrangement along with the Soil Slip (50) allows media to be organized in vertical beds where temperature and flow modulated treatment gas can flow around the shaped beds. The arrangement allows for a high surface area for active treatment and minimizes contaminant travel distance within the vertical bed. Further, the arrangement allows for an easy transport and easy top loading and bottom emptying operation. In addition, the Soil Slip Base Framework (44) is designed to insert into the Polarity Conversion Unit (1) in either direction through the use of the Isolated Vapor Extraction Chamber Register (55).

[0261] FIG. 10 presents Soil Slip Perspective View. The Soil Slip (50) consists of four walls with a Soil Slip Open Top and Open Bottom (56). The purpose of the Soil Slip (50) is to provide horizontal retainage of the Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly (49) and media while registered to the Soil Slip Base Framework (44). Both the Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Rechargeable Filter Media (77) and the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Rechargeable Filter Media (100) are designed to fit into the Soil Slip (50) for treatment in the Polarity Conversion Unit (1).

[0262] FIG. 11 Presents Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly Perspective View. FIG. 12 presents Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly Cross Section. The purpose of the Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly (49) is to provide a static means to organize media into vertical beds of high surface area and to provide an open flow path for treatment gas to flow around the vertical beds. Soil Slots (57) and Air Gaps (58) are constructed to line up with Soil Retention Tabs (52) and Flow Through Air Gaps (53) in the Soil Slip Base Framework (44). The Air Gap Covers (59) prevent soil, sludges or other media from entering the Air Gaps (58). Soil is filled to the Soil Fill Line (60), which corresponds with the height of the Soil Slip (50) wall height. Treatment gases enter the Air Gap (58) through the sides of the Static Soil Shaping Screen Assembly (49). The sides of the Air Gaps (58) are designed to increase treatment gas velocity by decreasing cross sectional area of flow in order to lower thermal resistance. Further, tabs perpendicular to flow located along the screen edge cause turbulence along the surface area, which in turn lowers thermal resistivity. Wire wrap well screen can be used as an alternative embodiment where the well screens are place adjacent to each other in line with the Air Gaps (58). The Air Gaps (58) can be a fin or pin heat sink design. The well screens can be spaced apart to allow additional room in the Soil Slip (50) assembly for soil and sludge.

[0263] FIGS. 13 through 21 are all related to the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) showing perspective, map, cross sectional and internal element views. The Vapor Conversion Tank (14) conditions the treatment gas to facilitate rapid cooling, condensation of PFAS, removal of residual particulate matter and prevention of water condensation from the treatment gas. Hot treatment gases enter the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) through the Cooling Chase (11). Cooling fluids supplied by the Cooling Chase Cooling Fluid Line (12) are directly sprayed into the treatment gas using a variety of droplet sizes to create an evaporative environment. High pressure Cooling Chase Spray Nozzles (62), shown in FIG. 17, apply a fan of cooling fluid of varying drop size directly into the treatment gas flow stream. Mist spray is injected in the Mist Chamber (13) just prior to entry into the tank. Cooling Fluids drain into the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) and are then drawn out through the Vapor Conversion Tank Cooling Fluid Return Line (61) passing through the Filter Housing (18) to remove PFAS pre-micellular aggregate and liquid crystals from the cooling fluid. The Jet Pump (19) recirculates the cooling fluid back to the Cooling Chase (11) through the Cooling Chase Cooling Fluid Line (12). The cooling fluid contains water, alcohols, salts, urea and organic matter to enhance the formation of pre-micellular aggregate and liquid crystals.

[0264] In order to regulate cooling fluids temperature and maintain temperatures above ambient outdoor temperature, outside air is drawn through Purge Lines (16), which are vented at the top of the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) and equipped with a control valve that regulates outside air intake. The Purge Lines (16) are slotted at the bottom of the Vapor Conversion Tank (14). System vacuum causes outside air to enter the Purge Lines (16) and create bubbles in the cooling fluid. The Bubbles cool the cooling fluid, cause fluid mixing, and maintains temperature above ambient outside temperature. Maintaining temperatures above ambient outside temperature in the Vapor Conversion Tank (14) combined with cooling fluid droplet size prevent water condensation within the tank.

[0265] Treatment gas exit the Cooling Chase (11) and the Mist Chamber (13) and encounter the Vapor Conversion Tank Gibbs Energy Curtain (66). The Gibbs Energy Curtain (66) consists of Gibbs Energy Curtain Tabs (70) and Gibbs Energy Curtain Air Gaps (71). The Tabs (70) consist of materials with specific polar and dispersive Gibbs surface energy profile to match or closely match contaminants that facilitate condensation on to the tabs (70). Treatment gas flows through the device where the rapid cooling and physiochemical processes cause the tabs (70) to be coated with contaminant. The Gibbs Energy Curtain (66) is removeable through the Gibbs Energy Curtain Access (15). FIG. 21 presents Gibbs Energy Curtain Perspective View.

[0266] Treatment gas flows through the Gibbs Energy Curtain (66), then downward under the Vapor Conversion Tank Vapor Diversion Baffle (67); as seen in FIG. 20. The flow path causes the treatment gas to turn and flow close to the Fluid Level (68) in the tank, which has a demisting and cooling effect. In addition, any particulate matter drops out of the treatment gas where it accumulates on the tank bottom. A Sediment Baffle (104) located at the bottom of the tank prevents sediment from migrating into the Vapor Conversion Tank Cooling Fluid Return Line (61); seen in FIG. 20. The treatment gas is drawn upwards into the Vapor Conversion Tank Demisting Tower (17) where a demister screen and the height of the tower eliminates any residual mists.

[0267] The Vapor Conversion Tank (14) has various sampling, viewing and access ports including the Vapor Conversion Tank View Window (63) and Vapor Conversion Tank Access Hatch (65) as seen in FIG. 15 and Vapor Conversion Tank Sample Port (64) as seen in FIG. 16. The Vapor Conversion Tank Light Port (106) is located under the Mist Chamber (13) to provide lighting into the tank interior; as seen in FIG. 14.

[0268] The vast majority of PFAS is removed from the treatment gas in the Vapor Conversion Tank (14). Amphiphilic PFAS compounds almost always have monomers that escape primary treatment mainly due to the weak Van Der Waals bonds. The Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator (22) is designed to remove residual monomer PFAS where a galvanic sequence (galvanic or impressed currents) of granulated metal that offer high surface area, high energy interfaces of varying charges for amphiphilic self-assembly. Voltage drops across the galvanic cell indicate active self-assembly and provide an indication of PFAS mass within the filter media. The galvanic filter media can be recharged by placing the filter assembly in the Polarity Conversion Unit (1). FIGS. 22 through 26 present perspective, cross sectional and map views of the assembly and various elements of the assembly. FIG. 22 presents Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Perspective View. The Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator (22) is the same size as a Soil Slip (50); it has a Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Lid (72) that provides a sealed environment inside the vessel. The Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Intake (73) and Outlet (74) are designed to expand the cross-sectional area of flow before and after the Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Rechargeable Filter Media (77) as seen in FIG. 23. The entire assembly can be moved with a forklift with the Forklift Pockets (54).

[0269] FIG. 24 presents Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Housing Map View without Lid. FIG. 24 shows the Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator Granular Metal Slot (75) and Granular Desiccant Bridge Slot (76). FIG. 25 also shows internal element through cross sections. Granular metal is used to provide high surface area and to allow easy adjustment in metal species or replenishment of the granular metal. Vertical granular metal beds are placed across the direction of treatment gas flow. Reducing the mass of the granulated anodic metal slots relative to the granular cathodic metal increase voltage across the galvanic cell. Adjustable granular metal mass allows adjustment in voltage across the galvanic cell. The desiccant media is also granular and acts as a bridge between the various granular metal vertical beds. When voltage readings indicate the Rechargeable Filter Media (77) is full, the media is removed from the Vapor Phase Galvanic Separator and placed in a Soil Slip (50)/Soil Slip Base Framework (44) for recharging in the Polarity Conversion Unit (1).

[0270] FIG. 27 presents Brine Pot Evaporator Assembly Perspective View; FIGS. 28 and 29 present cross section and map views. The purpose of the Brine Pot Evaporator (29) is to dry PFAS fluids and foams into a dry powder in isolated batch and to provide system vacuum and conveyance of vapor/foams/fluids from the Fluids Line Assembly. The Brine Pot Evaporator (29) connects the Fluids Line Assembly to the Vapor Line Assembly through the Brine Pot Evaporator Connection Valve (47), which connects to the Vapor Extraction Manifold (7) as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. System vacuum is used to contain, treat and convey PFAS saturated foams and fluids while providing a means for vapor phase treatment. The Brine Pot Vapor Extraction Line (28) draws PFAS vapors from the Brine Pot Evaporator (29). Vapors exit the Brine Pot Evaporator (29) through the Brine Pot Demister Tower (30), which is designed to remove any mists from the vapor stream before entry into the vapor line assembly. The Brine Pot Evaporator (29) is equipped with a Blower (31) and Heater (32) that provide hot air into the vessel to facilitate drying of PFAS fluids concentrate.

[0271] FIG. 30 presents Brine Pot Evaporator Interior Elements Perspective View. FIG. 31 presents Brine Pot Evaporator Interior Elements Cross Section. FIGS. 30 and 31 show the Brine Pot Purge Lines (82) where heated outside air is drawn through the fluids by the applied vacuum above the Brine Pot Evaporator Fluid Level (84). The Vapor Foam/Fluids Extraction Line/Valve (33) and the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand Flexible Extraction Line/Valve (34) are closed during Brine drying operations in the Brine Pot Evaporator (29).

[0272] The level of brine and foam inside the Brine Pot Evaporator (29) is monitored through the Brine Pot Fluid Level Window (79). In the event foam does not quickly decay inside the Brine Pot Evaporator (29), the Brine Pot Water Spray Foam Knock Down Assembly (80) will direct a blast of high-pressure water spray using the Brine Pot Water Spray Foam Knock Down Spray Nozzle (83) to knock down foam levels in the tank. FIGS. 30 and 31 also present the Brine Pot Drain Valve (81) and the Fork Lift Pockets (54) to drain and move the Brine Pot Evaporator (29).

[0273] The Fluids Treatment Assembly line consists of two primary treatments in series where the initial treatment removes the majority of PFAS contaminants followed by a polishing treatment removing lower concentration monomeric PFAS as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 32, 33 and 34 present the Surface Excess Concentrator Assembly in Perspective, Cross Section and Map View respectively. The Surface Excess Concentrator (37) concentrates short and long chain PFAS and associated mixtures as foam and surface excess layers. The first Fluids Pump (in series) (36) delivers PFAS contaminated fluids to the Surface Excess Concentrator (37) through the Surface Excess Concentrator Inlet (85). During active treatment of fluids, the Vapor/Foam/Fluids Extraction Line/Valve (33) is opened to provide system vacuum and vapor/foam/fluids conveyance from the Surface Excess Concentrator Assembly (37) to the Brine Pot Evaporator (29). Treated Fluids exit through the Surface Excess Concentrator Outlet (86).

[0274] The raw PFAS contaminated fluids enter into the Surface Excess Concentrator Fluids Process Tank (88) where Surface Excess Concentrator Purge Lines (38) are vented to outside air. The vacuum applied the Surface Excess Concentrator Foam Tank (89) draws outside air through the Purge Lines (38), which are slotted at the bottom of the Process Tank (88). The Outside air creates bubbles in the raw fluids where foam is created at the surface, which is the same elevation as the inlet (85) and outlet (86). Long chain PFAS concentrate in the foam allows shorter chain PFAS to accumulate at the foam/fluid interface and PFAS micelles just below the fluid/foam interface. The fluid surface offers a high energy interface for self-assembly. PFAS mixtures create the foam framework lifting long chain compounds from the fluid surface. The Surface Excess Concentrator Foam Belt (87) removes the entire concentrated surface excess complex from the Process Tank (88) and delivers it to the Foam Tank (89) where the foam/fluid mixture is drawn into the Extraction Line (33) and subsequently delivered to the Brine Pot Evaporator (29). Treated fluids exit the Fluids Process Tank (88) through the Surface Excess Concentrator Fluids Exit Piping (bottom intake of Fluids Process Tank) (90). The Fluids Exit Piping Bottom Intake (92) is located the maximum distance below the surface excess formation occurring during treatment as seen in FIG. 36 Surface Excess Concentrator Interior Elements Cross Section; FIG. 35 offers a Perspective View.

[0275] The Foam Belt (87) uses a material that is designed to match or closely match the polar and dispersive energies associated with PFAS compounds and associated mixtures. Perfect wetting and adhesion occur when the fluids energy and solid surface energy polar and dispersive ratios match or closely match. The speed of the Foam Belt (87) rotation also causes the entire surface excess complex to be conveyed to the Foam Tank (89). The Surface Excess Concentrator Access Hatch (91) provides a means to change the Foam Belt (87) and to perform other maintenance tasks.

[0276] The second Fluids Treatment apparatus is intended to treat residual monomeric PFAS that passed through the Surface Excess Concentrator (37). The Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator (39) is deployed, two in series, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 37, 38 and 39 present the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator (39) in Perspective, Cross Section and Map Views respectively. FIG. 40 presents Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Assemblies Cross Section and FIG. 41 presents Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Filter Media Cross Section. The Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator is the same size as a Soil Slip (50) where fluids enter into the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Inlet (95) and exit the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Outlet (97). The Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Lid (96) secures the vessel providing a water tight seal and access to the Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Rechargeable Filter Media (100). The Galvanic Separator Rechargeable Filter Media (100) consists of alternating Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Granular Metal Slot (98) and Aqueous Phase Galvanic Separator Granular Molecular Sieve Bridge Slot (99). The slot design provides a flexible method to create a galvanic metal series of high surface area for amphiphilic PFAS self-assembly. Doubling the cathodic metal mass (more slots filled with cathodic granular metal) increases voltage across the galvanic cell. The Second Fluids Pump (in series) (40) as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 provide vacuum pressure on the fluids treatment line to overcome the applied vapor vacuum in the Surface Excess Concentrator (37). Fork Pockets (54) allow easy transport of the unit.

[0277] FIG. 42 presents Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand Perspective View. The Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand (35) is used to decontaminate hard surfaces such as concrete airport taxiways or dump truck beds. The Wand (35) can be made to any size ranging from a walk behind unit to a unit mounted on a vehicle. The Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand (35) assembly is connected to the Brine Pot Evaporator (29) through the Amphiphilic Decontamination Wand Flexible Extraction Line/Valve (34) where system vacuum provides vapor conveyance for emissions treatment as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 27, 29 and 30. The