This dissertation describes the development and assessment of an ex situ thermal desorption system designed at PUC - Rio aimed on treating petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils. The modular system employs high temperatures to volatilize the contaminants presented in the porous media. The main component of this system comprises steel boxes where the contaminated soil is disposed and treated. In each box, electrical resistances are inserted enabling the application of very high temperature. The temperature during testing is controlled by a system that allows the use of ramps and steps. The system also has a unit of the aeration which prevents coking of the material to be treated. The system was assessed employing a contaminated soil excavated from a former gas station in Grajaú, Rio de Janeiro. The system showed a good performance reducing the contamination to levels below the limit detection of a Thermo GasTech Innova SV gas analyzer. The treatment presented a cost of R$ 0,43/kg, well below the average cost charged by incineration units in the State of Rio de Janeiro (i.e., circa R$ 3,00/kg).