SAM Permeable Reactive Barrier

The original SorbWeb™ Plus secondary oil containment system incorporates an oleophilic adsorbent layer, “SAM” is part of a developing green technology known as a permeable reactive barrier. It is an absorbent geocomposite with a an exceptionally high affinity for hydrocarbons and it replaces the adsorbent layer in the SorbWeb™ Plus system giving it the extraordinary ability to manage chronic leaks, localize and isolate small accidental spills and making clean up quick and easy to save time and money.

Permeable reactive barrier SAM contains a proprietary oil immobilizer trapped between two layers of geotextile fabric designed to absorb, filter and lock in hydrocarbons. SAM will remain permeable to water even after exposure to the contaminant. These unique properties make this special geotextile the ideal solution for numerous applications including:

 

Oil containment

Environmental remediation

Secondary containment

In situ groundwater remediation

 

HOW IT WORKS

 

A permeable reactive barrier, or “PRB,” is a subsurface emplacement of reactive materials or a wall created below ground to clean up contaminated groundwater. The wall is “permeable,” which means that groundwater can flow through it. Water must flow through the PRB (permeable reactive barrier) to be treated. The “reactive” materials that make up the wall either trap harmful contaminants or make them less harmful. The treated groundwater flows out the other side of the wall.

SAM works by acting as a permeable reactive barrier for a hydrocarbon contaminant plume. As the plume moves (typically under a natural gradient) and flows through the SAM geotextile treated water exits the other side.

Groundwater pollution is a global problem, impacting on the quality of life of people in both developed and developing countries. Permeable reactive barrier is an emerging cost effective green alternative to traditional pump and treat systems for groundwater remediation.