Suzhou, China: Thermal Remediation in Clay Soils

GEO and JSDDBS used Gas Thermal Remediation (GTR) at a former chemical manufacturing site in Suzhou, China. The case study identifies benzene, chlorobenzene, petroleum hydrocarbons, and non-aqueous phase contamination. Clay soils, groundwater at approximately 1.5 meters, and contamination extending to depth created treatment challenges.

GTR heater wells and extraction piping at the Suzhou project.

The installation included 33 heating wells and 17 extraction wells. Thermal conduction heating targeted approximately 100°C to a heated depth of 18 meters, with multiphase and soil vapor extraction supporting contaminant recovery.

The source reports 33 days of heating and a 60-day overall period covering installation, treatment, and demobilization. It reports greater than 99% mass removal and achievement of the remediation goal.

This case demonstrates the use of thermal heating and extraction in a low-permeability formation under a constrained project schedule.