Collection of dissolved gases from groundwater

An apparatus for collecting dissolved gases from groundwater comprising:

• an intake line having an inlet end and a downstream outlet end, the intake line having an intake line flow area defined therein;
• pumping means for supplying groundwater to the intake line;
• restrictor means located upstream of the pumping means and downstream from the intake line, and receiving groundwater flowing therefrom, the restrictor means decreasing the pressure of the groundwater to a degree sufficient that at least a portion of any gases dissolved within the groundwater precipitate therefrom;
• at least one treatment station positioned upstream of the restrictor means. the at least one treatment station adapted for selected treatment of groundwater flow through the apparatus;
• a gas collection means for collecting at least a portion of any precipitated gases;
• and
• a disposal line leading from the gas collection means, whereby the groundwater from which the gases have been precipitated is disposable from the gas collection means.

A process for collecting dissolved gases from groundwater comprising the steps:

• supplying groundwater to an intake line having an inlet end and a downstream outlet end;
• treating groundwater within the intake line to selectively alter the concentration of any gases dissolve therein;
• directing the groundwater through a restrictor line downstream from the inlet end of the intake line;
• decreasing the pressure of the groundwater within the restrictor line to a degree sufficient that at least a portion of any gases dissolved within the groundwater precipitate therefrom;
• collecting at least a portion of any precipitated gases;
• and
• disposing of the groundwater from which the gases have been precipitated.