Design of Soil Vapor Extraction Systems Under Conditions of Uncertainty

This paper proposes a risk‐cost approach for the design of soil vapor extraction (SVE) systems that takes into account uncertainties in the soil properties. The proposed design methodology consists of three separate models: a soil‐gas flow and vapor transport model, a parameter uncertainty model, and a decision model based on a risk‐cost objective function. A description of each of these models is provided and an example using a hypothetical scenario is given to illustrate the use of the methodology. Results from the example show that the methodology is suited for determining the number, location, and spacing of SVE extraction wells. The methodology can also be used to size the vacuum blower to be used and to predict when the SVE system should be shut off.