The MIP (Membrane Interface Probe) is a multipurpose tool used in soil and groundwater remediation. The Membrane Interface Probe is a continuous VOC (volatile organic compound) sampling system which heats the soil, water, and vapor matrix as it is driven into the subsurface mapping contaminants in groundwater and surrounding soil. The VOC mass which is extracted across a permeable membrane is carried to the surface by an inert purge gas via small diameter inert tubing. Once the compounds reach the surface they are analyzed by a suite of three laboratory grade detectors.
The sensor detection system includes:
- PID (Photo Ionization Detector)
- FID (Flame Ionization Detector)
- ECD (Electron Capture Detector)
These three detectors together offer a range of sensitivities and a means of discriminating different classes of compounds – anything from chlorinated solvents to gasoline hydrocarbons to methane soil gas. The use of multiple detectors is important for separating different zones of contamination such as petroleum (retail gas station) from chlorinated solvents (dry cleaner). The complementary range of performance of the different detectors enables the system to function from low contaminant levels to near NAPL levels.
The Membrane Interface Probe is ideal for:
- Soil remediation of dry cleaners and PCE (Perchloroethylene) sites
- Soil pollution around manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and other TCE (Trichloroethylene) sites
- Service stations with BTEX (Benzene, Toulene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene) plumes
- Brownfield and environmental remediation projects
- Selected DNAPL (Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid) sites
- Petroleum contaminated soil from dissolved phase petroleum sites
The Membrane Interface Probe includes an integrated EC (Soil Electrical Conductivity) probe to provide indication of general soil characteristics such as sands, clays, and silts. Using the EC logs you can define zones of lower conductivity which allows the movement of contaminants into the subsurface.
