Dynaflow, Inc. (Phase I, 2002-2003)

Summary

A wide variety of toxic substances in aquifers at many Superfund sites pose serious problems to the nation's fresh water supply. Contaminated groundwater is a particular threat to the health of those relying on well water. Typically, contamination is present in very large volumes of water at dilute concentrations such that efficient, rapid, and inexpensive processing is critical.

Project researchers at Dynaflow aim to develop a novel process for the removal of organic contaminants from groundwater using jet-induced cavitation. Cavitation produces sonochemically activated reactions in water resulting in the creation of highly effective oxidizing hydroxyl radicals and promotes a wide range of reactions including oxidation of organic compounds. Recent work at the company has demonstrated jet-induced cavitation oxidation of selected aqueous compounds in the laboratory and has achieved two orders of magnitude greater energy efficiency than ultrasonic cavitation devices.

The first phase of this project will investigate the feasibility of oxidizing selected compounds of high priority for groundwater remediation using special cavitating jets. It will also involve a design and scaling study for a practical scale system for groundwater remediation. Subsequent project efforts will expand the number of compounds investigated, refine scaling laws, and address larger and practical scale implementation issues.