Zero Valent Iron

Zero Valent Iron Supplier

Hepure is a key wholesale supplier of Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) powders for ZVI water and soil treatment. In 2022 nearly 1000 tons of ZVI were provided to over 15 projects within the US and internationally. Hepure as a distributor has supplied a little at 1 pound for laboratory testing to over 4,000,000 pounds for a single project. Each requires a knowledge of project requirements and trucking logistics. Samples of ZVI are typically provided in 1- and 5-pound (lb.) sizes. Additional amounts in 100 lb. bags, and 1000 lb. barrels are available for pilot testing. Typical project deliveries are in 2205 lb. super sacks. Hepure can supply small projects from domestic supply and import full containers (40,000 lb.) for larger projects. Containers can be brought into any port (domestic and international) reducing the trucking cost for final delivery.

Why Ferox Zero Valent Iron Products

Since entering the environmental remediation market in 2000, Hepure’s ZVI reactive iron powders have become the most widely used micron-scale iron powders in the market, with documented successful outcomes at more than 150 sites across North America.

Zero valent iron (ZVI) powders are inert metallic iron shavings capable of treating chlorinated solvents abiotically, avoiding the production of harmful daughter products (DCE and VC). The use of ZVI as an in situ chemical reductant has become increasingly popular with the advancement of application processes. With smaller particle sizes and increased sophistication of injection equipment, zero valent iron powder is commonly injected in source areas and hard to reach areas where a typical permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is not feasible. Hepure also offers Ferox Plus, and emulsified zero valent iron solution.

Benefits of Zero Valent Iron Remediation (ZVI):

• Cost-effective – ZVI remediation provides the most value in consideration of reactivity and longevity in comparison to chemical oxidants
• Safe – does not contain harmful chemicals and are safer to handle when compared to chemical oxidants
• Long-term treatment (3-15 years longevity) – zero valent iron powder provides a long term treatment solution
• Sustainable/recycled/green – Hepure’s ZVI is recycled iron cuttings from production facilities which may be otherwise disposed at a landfill
• Destroys contaminants with no toxic end products or by-products – ZVI is a biotic reaction which destroys the contaminate with no intermediation by products such as dichloroethane and vinyl chloride
• Synergistic with bioremediation treatments – conditions the aquifer for ongoing bioremediation without providing potential bio-toxic chemicals or unfavorable aquifer conditions such as pH
• Not impacted by Soil Oxidant Demand (SOD) – does not react with the soil so all reactivity can be directed to the contaminant

ZVI Case Studies

Hepure’s reactive iron powder lines are produced from high quality cast iron feedstock and proprietary catalytic iron powders. The product line is available in several grades and mesh sizes for various applications. Using high quality feedstock, a proprietary grinding and pulverizing method creates reactive iron powders suitable for the most demanding of remediation environments.

From the selection of raw materials through manufacturing and packaging, all processes satisfy Hepure’s demanding product standards. Quality assurance testing is performed at every stage of production so that product consistency is assured[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]

Figure 1. TCE Degradation First-Order Rate Constants for Various Iron Powders When Normalized to Surface Area

Detailed kinetics studies have revealed that not all iron powders are the same, and that Hepure’s Ferox iron powders have exceptional value. When these kinetic values are normalized to mass or surface area concentrations, Ferox Flow gave the most favorable results over for the degradation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (cVOCs). Ferox Flow had more than twice the activity of leading competitor’s iron powders.

Figure 2 – TCE Degradation of First-Order Rate Constants Normalized to Mass Per Dollar

In a recent evaluation of ZVI iron powders performed in his laboratories, Dr. Paul Tratnyek noted that, “The rates of TCE degradation from the column experiments in this study are surprisingly consistent with previously published work.

“Ferox Flow gave the most favorable results of the ZVIs tested in this study.”

Dr. Paul G. Tratnyek is a Professor at Oregon Health & Science University and is a leading researcher on ZVI reactive iron powders.

Comparison of Physical and Chemical Properties of Iron Powders

Analysis	Hepure’s Ferox PRB	Leading Competitor
Mesh Size: 20/60	96%	84%
Mesh Size: >60	4%	16%
% Iron	95.48%	94.36%
% Sulfur	0.08%	0.56%
% Carbon	2.10%	2.13%
Density (g/cm3)	2.92	2.8
Color	Gray Metallic	Black Metallic
Oil Contents	No oil smell, no oil visibility under microscope	With oil smell, oil visible under microscope
Oil	0%	1%

Zero-Valent Iron Reactivity Testing and Project Design

Zero Valent Iron For Water Remediation:

Zero-valent iron (ZVI), thanks to its reductive capabilities, is a common choice for water treatment and remediation. Here’s how it works:

1. Degradation of Contaminants: ZVI can be used to degrade various water contaminants, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons (like trichloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene), certain pesticides, nitroaromatic compounds, and some types of heavy metals (like chromium, arsenic, and lead). This occurs through a process of reductive dechlorination or reduction where ZVI donates electrons, changing these contaminants into less harmful substances.
2. Adsorption of Contaminants: Certain contaminants can be adsorbed onto the surface of ZVI particles. This is especially true for heavy metals, as they can adhere to the iron corrosion products, effectively removing them from the water.
3. Promotion of Bioremediation: ZVI can generate anaerobic conditions that encourage the growth of certain microorganisms, enhancing the natural bioremediation process. Some of these microorganisms can further degrade contaminants.
4. Nanoremediation: Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) particles are particularly useful in water remediation due to their large surface area and high reactivity. They can migrate and react more effectively with pollutants, especially in areas that are hard to reach.
5. Permeable Reactive Barriers (PRBs): ZVI is often used in PRBs, an in-situ approach for groundwater remediation. Contaminated groundwater flows through these barriers filled with ZVI, where pollutants are degraded or immobilized.

Zero Valent Iron For Soil Remediation:

The specific effectiveness of ZVI in soil remediation will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of the soil, the type and concentration of contaminants present, and the presence of other substances that might react with the ZVI.

1. Reduction of Contaminants: ZVI has the ability to chemically reduce certain types of environmental contaminants, including chlorinated hydrocarbons, nitroaromatic compounds, certain types of metals, and more. This process essentially involves the transfer of electrons from the ZVI to the contaminant, which changes the contaminant’s chemical structure, often into a less harmful form.
2. Absorption: ZVI can also absorb contaminants, which can be beneficial for removing them from soil and water. This mechanism is especially useful for certain types of metals.
3. Creating Favorable Conditions for Bioremediation: By creating anaerobic conditions in the soil, ZVI can promote the growth of certain types of microorganisms that can further break down contaminants. This can enhance natural bioremediation processes.
4. Nanoremediation: Nano-sized zero valent iron particles (nZVI) have been developed and are being used in soil and groundwater remediation due to their high reactivity and high surface area to volume ratio. These nano particles can migrate farther into the soil and interact with contaminants more efficiently.

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