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Title: A Review of Multidimensional, Multifluid Intermediate-scale Experiments: Nonaqueous Phase Liquid Dissolution and Enhanced Remediation

Journal Article · · Vadose Zone Journal

A review is presented of original multidimensional, intermediate-scale experiments involving nonaqueous phase liquids. The experimental approach at this scale can be viewed as an important intermediary between column studies and field trials. The primary advantage of intermediate-scale flow cell experiments is that field-scale processes can be simulated under controlled conditions. The experiments are frequently conducted to provide data sets to test and verify numerical and analytical flow and transport models. The controlled setting and laboratory instrumentation reduces the uncertainty in parameter estimation, allowing comparisons between simulation and experimental results to focus on flow and transport processes. A total of about 120 original contributions were identified and reviewed. Depending on the main topic of NAPL experimental research, the papers were divided into the following sections: (1) Dissolution, (2) Enhanced Remediation, (3) Flow behavior, (4) Quantification, and, (5) Imaging. In this paper, the categories Dissolution and Enhanced Remediation are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided. In a companion paper, experimental work related to the other three categories is reviewed. The Dissolution category includes experiments in which NAPL removal occurs due to water flushing. The Enhanced Remediation section contains experimental contributions investigating surfactant flushing, alcohol flushing, surfactant/alcohol combinations, dense brine barrier strategies, oil recovery through pumping, soil vapor extraction, air sparging, steam injection, bioremediation, and other techniques.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
885196
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-47245; 4599a; 830403000; TRN: US200616%%377
Journal Information:
Vadose Zone Journal, Vol. 5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English