Field Application of Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF) and Vortex-Plasma Technology to Meet MCLs

Pierce, Zach

Formatted Title

Background/Objectives

Recent developments in emerging PFAS treatment technology allow for virtually “closed-loop” removal of target compounds from water without generating waste for offsite disposal. This project at Joint Base Cape Cod in Massachusetts demonstrates two potential keystone technologies for enabling water treatment and the reduction of solid and liquid wastes associated with PFAS remediation; EPOC Enviro’s Surface Active Foam Fractionation® (SAFF®) and Onvector’s Plasma Vortex. Combined in a treatment train, these technologies achieve separation, concentration, and destruction of PFAS compounds in a low-footprint onsite solution. This presentation will discuss the first ever onsite combination of these technologies, and evaluate efficacy and cost of this solution for PFAS impacted groundwater.

SAFF® is an engineered system that separates and concentrates PFAS from water into a liquid waste without adsorption media over a series of foam fractionation stages. Instead of using solid media to adsorb PFAS, SAFF® takes advantage of the surfactant properties of PFAS compounds, which naturally adsorb to bubble surfaces and can be captured and dewatered as a foam concentrate. Previous studies have shown 98-100% removal of regulated PFAS using SAFF, meeting the strict standards in New England states.

Approach/Activities

In this study, SAFF® was operated using an environmentally friendly additive to enhance foaming and performance and enable direct environmental discharge. Onvector’s Plasma Vortex is a PFAS destruction technology that uses a Plasma Vortex Reactor to destroy PFAS. The plasma reactor is filled periodically with batches of high concentration PFAS concentrate generated by the SAFF system. The reactor then destroys the high-strength carbon-fluorine bond by creating charged ions with high chemical reaction potential. Resultant byproducts from the destroyed PFAS molecules are primarily harmless byproducts including fluoride, sulfate, carbon dioxide, and water.

Results/Lessons Learned

Results from this project will be compared to three specific objectives: 1) full separation and concentration of regulated PFAS from contaminated water, 2) closed loop destruction of PFAS liquid concentrate and 3) comparison of cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the separation, concentration, destruction strategy to alternative on-site separation technologies (e.g., carbon adsorption using granular activated carbon or ion exchange resin).

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Field Application of Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF) and Vortex-Plasma Technology to Meet MCLs

Formatted Title

Background/Objectives

Approach/Activities

Results/Lessons Learned