Application of a 2D air flow model to soil vapor extraction and bioventing case studies

Journal Article · Mon May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Ground Water

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.1995.tb00300.x· OSTI ID:46025

Mohr, D H; Merz, P H ^[1]

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1. Chevron Research and Technology Co., Richmond, CA (United States)

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) is frequently the technology of choice to clean up hydrocarbon contamination in unsaturated soil. A two-dimensional air flow model provides a practical tool to evaluate pilot test data and estimate remediation rates for soil vapor extraction systems. The model predictions of soil vacuum versus distance are statistically compared to pilot test data for 65 SVE wells at 44 sites. For 17 of 21 sites where there was asphalt paving, the best agreement was obtained for boundary conditions with no barrier to air flow at the surface. The model predictions of air flow rates and stream lines around the well allow an estimate of the gasoline removal rates by both evaporation and bioremediation. The model can be used to quickly estimate the effective radius of influence, defined here as the maximum distance from the well where there is enough air flow to remove the contaminant present within the allowable time. The effective radius of influence is smaller than a radius of influence defined by soil vacuum only. For a case study, in situ bioremediation rates were estimated using the air flow model and compared to independent estimates based on changes in soil temperature. These estimate bioremediation rates for heavy fuel oil ranged from 2.5 to 11 mg oil degraded per kg soil per day, in agreement with values in the literature.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 46025
• Journal Information: Ground Water, Journal Name: Ground Water Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 33; ISSN GRWAAP; ISSN 0017-467X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
BIODEGRADATION
CLEANING
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OIL SPILLS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
REMEDIAL ACTION
REMOVAL
SOILS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TWO-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS