Comparison of thermal and chemical enhanced recovery of DNAPL in saturated porous media: 2D tank pumping experiments and two-phase flow modelling

Pumping experiments were performed in a 2D tank order to estimate the recovery yield of pure heavy chlorinated organic compounds (DNAPL; dense non-aqueous phase liquids) by varying different parameters: permeability saturated zone, pumping flow rates, addition surfactant and heating. Surfactant was added decrease capillary forces involved entrapment DNAPL porous media while temperature increased reduce viscosity (and hence increase its mobility). Chemical enhancement with Sodium Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate (SDBS) (at Critical Micelle Concentration, avoid dissolution) thermal at 50 °C (to volatilization). The monitored photography allowing, on basis image interpretation, convert optical densities (OD) into water saturations (Sw). Image interpretations compared modelling results. two-phase pressure-pressure formulation using pressure relative functions based van Genuchten–Mualem equations. Measured volumes recovered as well displacement DNAPL-water interface (radius height cone depression) are consistent Furthermore, chemical results significant rates DNAPL. observed improvement is due fact that: (i) residual saturation inside depression lower (ii) radius increase. Thermal had no beneficial effect rate or yield. This study shows that it possible accurately determine interpretation during tests laboratory. For field-scale applications, model allows remediation yields according operating conditions.