C3 Technology: Vapor Condensation and Contaminant Recovery

GEO's C3 Technology combines compression, refrigeration, and regenerative adsorption to remove and recover volatile organic compounds from vapor streams. Applications described in the company's white paper include soil vapor extraction, multiphase extraction, and industrial off-gas treatment.

C3 vapor treatment equipment pictured in GEO's company reference sheet.

After entrained liquids are separated, process vapor is compressed and cooled in stages. The white paper describes approximately 150 psi compression and cooling to around −40°C, depending on the system and application. Condensable contaminants are collected as liquid for appropriate recovery or disposal. Residual vapor passes through a regenerative adsorber, and additional activated-carbon polishing may be required by the project design or permit.

C3 is a separation and recovery process; condensation does not itself destroy the captured chemicals. Actual removal efficiency and discharge concentrations depend on the compound mixture, inlet loading, operating conditions, and treatment configuration.

Example treatment train in GEO's cyanide-remediation white paper: scrubbing, cooling and condensation, C3 treatment, and GAC polishing.

Operation requires monitoring, maintenance, and verification against the site's discharge requirements. Comparisons with carbon-only treatment or oxidation should use site-specific loading, utility costs, equipment requirements, and the complete treatment period.