Delivered on-site as a concentrated material, 3-D Microemulsion is then emulsified with water forming an easy to handle and pump microemulsion with a relatively high hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB). This high HLB allows dilute 3-D Microemulsion suspensions to be well distributed across contaminant plumes without high injection costs.

Purpose

3-D Microemulsion produces a sequential, staged release of its electron donor components (Figure 2). This staged fermentation provides an immediate, mid-range and long-term, controlled-release supply of hydrogen (electron donor) to fuel the reductive dechlorination process.

Stage 1 - the immediately available free lactic acid (lactate) is fermented rapidly

Stage 2 - the controlled-release lactic acid (polylactate ester based portion) is metabolized at a more controlled rate

Stage 3 - the free fatty acids and fatty acid esters are converted to hydrogen over a mid to long-range timeline giving 3-D Microemulsion an exceptionally long electron donor release profile

Longevity

Typical 3-D Microemulsion single application longevity is rated at periods of up to 3 to 4 years. With 4 years occurring under optimal conditions, e.g. low permeability, low consumption environments.

Functionality

3-D Microemulsion applications can be configured in several different ways including: grids, barriers and excavations. The material itself can be applied to the subsurface through the use of direct-push injection, hollow-stem auger, existing wells or re-injection wells.

3-D Microemulsion is typically applied in high-volumes as an emulsified, micellar suspension (microemulsion). The microemulsion is easily pumped into the subsurface and is produced on-site by mixing specified volumes of water and delivered 3-D Microemulsion concentrate.

3-D Microemulsion is usually applied throughout the entire vertical thickness of the determined treatment area. Once injected, the emulsified material moves out into the subsurface pore spaces forming micelles and moving via micellar transport, eventually coating most all available surfaces, these structures provide the added benefit of increased distribution via migration to areas of lower concentration. Over time the released soluble components of 3-D Microemulsion are distributed within the aquifer via the physical process of advection and the concentration driven forces of diffusion.