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Experimental assessment and modeling of interphase mass transfer rates of organic compounds in multiphase subsurface systems. Final report, July 1, 1989--June 30, 1993

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10107171· OSTI ID:10107171

Results of an experimental investigation into strady state dissolution of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLS) entrapped within water saturated porous media are presented. Influence of porous media type, NAPL characteristics, and aqueous phase flow velocity are examined for transient and steady-state dissolution of NAPL. Entrapped NAPL distributions are examined and are found to influence mass transfer between the phases. A phenomenological model for the steady state mass transfer process is developed which expresses a lumped mass transfer coefficient as a function of the hydrodynamics of the system and grain size parameters as a surrogate measure of the NAPL distribution. Transient dissolution data is used to develop two alternative phenomenological models for mass transfer. The models are incorporated into a onedimensional numerical simulator and are shown to be effective predictors of transient dissolution data in similar experimental systems. In order to further explore the effects of scale and heterogeneities on NAPL dissolution, the sphere model is incorporated into a two-dimensional simulator and is used to explore long-term dissolution of a TCE (trichloroethylene) spill in a layered system of sands. The simulation demonstrates the significance of heterogeneity, both in controlling the initial distribution of NAPL and the rate of NAPL dissolution.

Research Organization:
Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-89ER60844
OSTI ID:
10107171
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/60844--3; ON: DE94003983; BR: KP0203000
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English