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In-Situ Thermal Desorption in a Confined Basement in Brussels

Haemers successfully remediated hydrocarbon-contaminated soil beneath a residential building in Brussels using In-Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD). Despite extremely restricted access and the use of only one heating source instead of three, the treatment achieved the remediation objectives while ensuring full control of gas emissions.

SITE DESCRIPTION

       Treated Volume

  66 m³ of contaminated soil

          Thermal technology

  In-Situ Thermal Desorption (ISTD)

       Main contaminant

  Hydrocarbons (C10–C40)

        Site challenges

  Contamination beneath an existing building with very limited access, confined basement (2.5 m ceiling height)

        Project Timeline

  71 days



SOLUTION

          Treatment Method

In-Situ Thermal Desorption   

          Treatment program

Treatment of 66 m³ (118.8 tonnes) using 3 heating tubes (9 m), operated with a single burner, target temperature of 200°C

         Contaminated Vapors                          Management

  Contaminants thermally reburned on-site. Flue gases evacuated through the building chimney and continuously monitored using a gas analyzer

       Process control

  Continuous temperature monitoring, insulation to minimize heat loss, and adaptive treatment duration to ensure target temperatures (150–200°C) 


RESULTS

✅          Hydrocarbon concentrations reduced below the remediation               target of 300 mg/kg DM

✅           Successful remediation despite highly constrained site                          conditions and single-burner operation

✅           No pollutant collection required thanks to in-situ                                      contaminant reburning and compliant flue gas emissions




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