3-D Microemulsion (3DMe)^®

3DMe is perhaps the most advanced, highly-distributable electron donor in the injectable remediation products marketplace today.

Product

3DMe is an injectable electron donor emulsion that is comprised of a completely new molecular structure incorporating proven Hydrogen Release Compound (HRC®) technology with a new and unique molecule (patent pending). 3DMe is specifically designed to provide the controlled-release of a three highly efficient electron donors including lactic acid to drive the enhanced reductive dechlorination process.

The 3DMe Molecule

Delivered on-site as a concentrated material, 3DMe 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 3DMe suspensions to be well distributed across contaminant plumes without high injection costs.

Purpose

3DMe 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 3DMe an exceptionally long electron donor release profile

Longevity

Typical 3DMe 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

3DMe 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.

3DMe 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 3DMe concentrate.

3DMe 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.

Product Specifications

Delivered as an amber colored semi-viscous liquid
After field emulsification material becomes a less viscous, watery, cream colored microemulsion
Composition – lactic acid, glycerol, glycerol tripolylactate, neutralized fatty acids, HRC-PED
Sequential, staged, controlled –release of (electron donors) for periods of up to 4 years
Packaged and delivered in various quantities: 5000 gallon tankers, 2000 lb. totes, 400 lb. drums, 30 lb. PVC easy to handle buckets
Expected shelf-life of material = 3 years
(See detailed MSDS for full product specifications)

Field Applications

Injectable microemulsion for source area, plume and reactive barrier applications
Use in injection wells for maximum efficiency, distribution and cost-savings
Use in soil mixing and excavation projects

Benefits of Use

High volume, microemulsion application increases contact with contaminants and reduces number of injection points required for treatment (saves time and money).
Three stage; immediate,mid-range and long-term controlled-release of lactic, organic and fatty acids for the production of hydrogen to support enhanced anaerobic biodegradation.
Maximum subsurface distribution through micellar transport - unlike oil products, 3DMe forms micelles which are mobile in groundwater and significantly enhance electron donor distribution after injection.
Long-term source of hydrogen to the subsurface facilitates anaerobic dechlorination for periods of up to 4 years.
Incorporates Proven (HRC®) Technology Successfully applied on over 2,000 sites worldwide.
Clean, low-cost, non-disruptive application (direct-push, wells and excavations)
No Operations and Maintenance
Faster and often lower cost than drawn out natural attenuation approaches
Complimentary product application design and site analysis from Regenesis

Application Considerations

Existing aerobic or anaerobic conditions
Contaminant type and mass
Subsurface geology (distribution)
Depth to groundwater
Groundwater flow rates
Competing electron acceptors (oxygen sinks)
Available site water for microemulsion preparation
Free product (if present call Regenesis tech services to discuss options)

Product Categories

Quick Links

Additional Information:

Injection Ready 3DMe Microemulsion

3DMe and Micellar Transport

Micelles are groups (spheres) of molecules with the hydrophilic group facing out to the water and the “tails” or lipophilic moiety facing in. They are formed during the 3-D Microemulsion emulsification process and provide the added benefit of increased distribution via migration to areas of lower concentration.