August 2016 Newsletter

Letter From The President – An Appreciation for Professional Skepticism

Circa July 2014, Provectus introduced to our industry the concept of controlling methanogenesis during in situ remedial actions that employed conventional ERD or ISCR technologies. Since that time, we have effectively integrated our Provect-CH4® antimethanogenic reagents (AMR) into ERD-CH4®, Provect-IR®, Provect-IRM®, EZVI-CH4™, and AquaGate®-CH4™ (multiple patents issued/pending) yielding improved ( i.e., safer, more efficient, more effective, and less expensive) remedial amendments. And we have successfully applied millions of pounds of these improved products at multiple sites throughout the USA, Europe and Ocean Asia.

Based on previous experience, we knew well that the introduction of an entirely new concept and associated technologies would generate discussion and debate. While critical, most of these interactions were professional, mutually respectful, and productive. Moreover, we knew that as recognized technologists and seasoned practitioners the industry would rightfully expect from us more rigorous documentation of efficacy and proof of performance than it would expect from others who might introduce a new flavor of a cloned technology.

As anticipated, there were three main perspectives on the potential safety and efficacy issues of excessive methane production and its control (see table below)  i.e., those who:

i) accepted/acknowledged the issues,
ii) denied/ignored them, and/or
iii) understood and appreciated potential issues, but maintained a position of neutrality

Initially, the “Professional Skeptic” category represented the majority of our colleagues. They generally accepted and acknowledged the importance of excessive methanogenesis but maintained a reserved position until further evidence convinced them that AMR chemistries and our associated remedial products are valid and effective. In these Newsletters, we try to provide information to help in that transition.

To our readers who became valued clients and gave us the opportunity to demonstrate our technologies, we thank you for your leadership, forethought and confidence in us. These are the efforts that yield critical laboratory and field data that we can share with others to complete the modernization of conventional ERD and ISCR technologies.

 

Where Is All This Methane Coming From?

Stable-carbon (δ13C) and naturally occurring radiocarbon (14C) analyses can conclusively identify methane sources in soil gasses, groundwater, vadose soils and ambient/indoor air.Methane in ecosystems can originate thermogenically from regions of petroleum formation deep within the earth and/or via microbial fermentation of organic carbon and microbial reduction of carbon dioxide.  Because methanogens/Archaea are often the dominant microbes in reduced environments, in situ remedial actions employing conventional ( i.e., no active control of Archaea) ERD amendments such as [emulsified] oils/lecithins, lactates/sugars, simple hydrogen release compounds or conventional ISCR reagents such as EHC ®, Ferox-Plus ®, other redox substrates (EHS) et cetera can generate excessive amounts of methane.
In 2014, the advent of Provectus’ antimethanogenic reagents increased industry awareness of potential issues associated with excessive methanogenesis during in situ remedial actions. Accordingly, two common questions were being asked by seasoned remedial practitioners when they began looking at methane production associated with the use of conventional ERD/ISCR/EHS reagents….and finding it!

Where is this excessive methane coming from? 
Did the addition of my remedial amendment induce excessive methane production?
Click here to read full paper.


Provectus Expands Ocean Asia Operations

Provectus Asia – We are very pleased to announce the establishment of TED Technology Co. Ltd. Through this new business entity, we manufacture Provectus products for timely delivery and cost-effective use throughout Ocean Asia.

Please contact Mr. T.K. Huang at TKHuang@provectusenvironmental.com or (+886) 2 8655-8001 with any questions or requests for assistance.


Taiwan Environment Scientific Co. Ltd. (TESC) – We are excited to announce an exclusive teaming agreement with TESC (www.TESC.com.tw) to utilize Provectus products in Taiwan. “TESC recognized the superior performance chemistries and industry leadership from Provectus, and we made the obvious decision to offer these proven technologies to our clients”, stated Mr. Daniel Chang, CEO of TESC. From our perspective here at Provectus, we know well that the remediation experts at TESC will properly utilize our technologies where they represent the safest, most effective, and most cost-efficient solutions.

Please contact Ms. Tracey Hsu at ju.ting@tesc.com.tw  or +(866)-7-6231588 ext.1205 with any questions or requests for assistance.

(TESC and the Provectus Team!)

Provectus Australia – Peter Storch

We are very pleased to announce a strategic alliance with Mr. Peter Storch, P.E. and his new company Professional Remediation Engineering headquartered in VIC, Australia.  Peter will provide our clients in Australia and Ocean Asia with technical support of the highest caliber coupled with a clear focus on client service. Please look forward to hearing from Peter and learning more about our portfolio of remedial technologies.

You can contact Peter via email at peter.storch@provectusenvironmental.com  or (+61) 427 782 681.


– WHAT’S IN THE BAG? –

Provect-IR ® Antimethanogenic ISCR Reagent
Various analyses have been made between Provect-IR and purportedly similar ISCR reagents. However, a straightforward comparative analysis of Provect-IR Antimethanogenic ISCR Reagent and other older, conventional ( e.g., no active control of excessive methanogenesis) ISCR materials yields a very compelling story (Read Full Report HERE).

What’s in the Bag? Comparative Analysis of Provect-IR® Antimethanogenic ISCR Reagent and Other Conventional ISCR Materials (that do not control excessive methanogenesis)
 

Component Provect-IR
15% ZVI “a”
Other
15% ZVI “b”
Provect-IR
40% ZVI “a”
Other
40% ZVI “b”
Provect-IR
60% ZVI “a”
Other
60% ZVI “b”
% ZVI in Product 15 15 40 40 60 60
Pounds of ZVI in a 50 lb bag 7.5 7.5 20 20 30 30
ZVI surface area in a 50 lb bag 1,658 ft 2 330 ft 2 4,420 ft 2 1,240 ft 2 6,630 ft 2 1,860 ft 2
% Organic Hydrogen Donor (OHD) in Product 85 85 60 60 40 40
Pounds of OHD in a 50 lb bag 42.5 42.5 30 30 20 20
H Equivalents (50 lb bag) 7,264 g H 2 4,086 g H 2 5,128 g H 2 2,884 g H 2 3,418 g H 2 1,923 g H 2

Footnotes:
Calculations based on Provect-IR average ZVI “a” particle size of 17.5 microns.
Calculations based on Other average ZVI “b” particle size of 62.5 microns.

Our standard “Provect-IR15” product line material has 15% (weight basis) ZVI which is of premium grade, optimal particle size to balance reactivity and longevity, and very high in terms of purity and reactive surface area. Of course, customized formulations of Provectus products are always available based on site-specific needs. Comparing Provect-IR to seemingly similar ISCR reagents, it has:

  • Natural antimethanogenic compounds
  • Multiple hydrophilic, nutrient rich, complex organic carbon sources
  • ZVI average particle size ca. 20 micron (varies based on product)
  • Chemical oxygen scavengers
  • Vitamin and mineral and nutrient sources
  • US Patent protection (7,129,388; 7,531,709; 7,828,974; 8,147,694; 9,221,699).

Staff now at Provectus developed some of the original, conventional/older non-antimethanogenic ISCR reagents over 10 years ago so we know best that Provect-IR is simply a safer, better product. And it is very cost competitive!

In the immortal words of the former owner of Remington (Norelco) Razors – Mr. Victor Kermit Kiam II (1926-2001):
“I liked the shaver so much, I bought the company!”

Use A Better ISCR Reagent – contact us (download our FREE site evaluation form) for a complementary conceptual design and material cost estimate.


Methane Zone – New Remediation Guidance Document

Please see the most recent issue of “The Methane Zone” for:

    i) New guidelines for remedial practitioners published by the State of Michigan,
    ii) An informative video-link on the importance of monitoring methane; and
    iii) A recent paper by Molofsky (et al) 2016 that quantitatively evaluated three methods for collecting and analyzing dissolved methane and other gases in groundwater.


Provectus Welcomes Matt Geary – Director Business Development

On May 2, 2016 Provectus Environmental Products, Inc. proudly announced that Mr. Matt Geary joined the firm as Director – Business Development. Matt is located in our newly established Philadelphia, Pennsylvania office. Matt will focus his efforts to support clients with their environmental management needs. Matt has a strong and diverse background in applied environmental sciences, and has been a leader in the remediation market for over 25 years. Matt formally served as a Vice President for a mid-sized remediation consulting firm with offices in the mid-Atlantic, and he most recently was responsible for technical sales and support for CETCO Environmental Products Group covering the mid-Atlantic and Eastern Canada.

If you are in the northeast USA, you will soon hear from Matt to schedule a practical, useful and informative technology transfer session. Matt offers an excellent presentation that is not the standard “buy our wares” sales pitch. He will respond to your request for assistant in an enthusiastic, friendly and timely manner. .

You can contact Matt via email at matt.geary@provectusenv.com or (610) 368-1729.

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