Membrane Interface Probe - MIP

How It Works?

The Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) is a percussion tolerant VOC sensor that can continuously log volatile organics that diffuse through a semi-permeable membrane. Using a carrier gas, the VOCs are brought to the surface through tubing which is connected to a laboratory grade PID & FID for immediate analysis. ZEBRA is currently using an 0.I. Analytical Model 4410 Flame Ionization Detector and an 0.I. Analytical Model 4430 Photo ionization Detector. In response to our client's requests to use the MIP on sites where chlorinated solvents were present, ZEBRA has added an Electron Capture Device (ECD) to the MIP system.

ZEBRA has completed the installation of two MIP systems on a 4x4 Diesel Mule and a 4X4 John Deere Gator. These "data acquisition vehicles" are able to work with any of our 21 Direct Push units at any location on the East Coast. One of the significant advantages of ZEBRA’s MIP data acquisition vehicles is that is that they are completely self contained (including a full set of Direct Push 1.5" probe rods pre-strung with the data trunkline) in order to allow the on site ZEBRA Direct Push unit to quickly change from driving the MIP rods to collecting soil and groundwater samples, installing monitoring points or injecting Bio-Remediation compunds. ZEBRA can provide you with a wide variety of options in the field that will allow you to respond to the data you receive from the MIP/Conductivity system.

ZEBRA is one of the few probing contractors in the country that has experience working with the system and we are one of fewcompanies on the East Coast that owns the MIP system. ZEBRA completed an extensive subsurface investigation project at a former oil terminal located in Fall River, Massachusetts. As part of the project, ZEBRA worked with the designers of the MIP and brought the prototype to the site. The membrane probe worked on site for five (5) days and performed extremely well by identifying the presence and relative concentrations of volatile organic contaminants.

The data collected with the membrane probe compared favorably to the existing, laboratory grade analytical data already available. Recently, ZEBRA has successfully completed several large projects utilizing the MIP system, including two (2) service station investigations for a major oil company.

An integral part of the MIP system is the direct sensing soil conductivity system. This system utilizes a specially designed probe that will withstand the rigors of percussion probing while taking continuous measurements of soil conductivity as it is being driven into the ground. The sensing probe is linked to a control box where the signal is received by a lap top computer. The signal from the probe is matched with precise depth measurements and logged on the screen. The consultant is able to read real time data showing changes in soil conductivity/resistivity. These changes can be used to identify lithology, contaminant plumes, salt water intrusion, or any other subsurface condition that displays a change in conductivity/resistivity.

Presentations

Membrane Interface Probe

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