Development of a Design Tool for Planning Aqueous Amendment Injection Systems

ER-200626

Objective

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and in situ anaerobic bioremediation (ISAB) technologies are being implemented at numerous private and Department of Defense sites. With both approaches, a chemical reagent (aqueous chemical oxidant or organic substrate) is distributed throughout the treatment zone using a system of temporary or permanent wells. For the technologies to be effective, sufficient reagent must be brought into contact with the contaminant to be treated. The objective of this project is to develop a set of tools to assist design engineers in developing effective, reasonably efficient systems for distributing aqueous amendments for in situ treatment of groundwater contaminants. Primary applications for the tools will be for design of ISCO systems using permanganate and ISAB systems using soluble substrates and emulsified oil. As technology evolves, this general approach should be applicable to the distribution of other aqueous amendments.

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Technology Description

Currently available numerical models first will be used to examine the effects of site conditions (e.g., permeability, contaminant distribution, and site heterogeneity) and design variables (location of wells, injection rates, volumes, amount of reagent, etc.) on reagent distribution and associated contact efficiency. Results from the numerical model simulations will be used to develop simple curves relating reagent distribution efficiency to important design parameters (e.g., pore volumes of injection fluid and amount of reagent) and guide designers in the proper selection of these parameters. The results also will be used in the development of a simple, spreadsheet-based tool to assist in the design of injection systems for treatment of contaminated aquifers using permanganate, soluble substrates, and emulsified oil. This design tool will allow engineers to evaluate the effect of different design variables (well spacing, amount of reagent, injection rate, etc.) on remediation system cost and expected performance. Worksheets will be developed for each of the major design alternatives (e.g., type of reagent and type of injection system). Training materials will be developed to walk new users through each worksheet of the design tool and provide guidance on selection of important design parameters.

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Benefits

At some sites, ISCO and ISAB work very well, resulting in substantial reductions in contaminant concentration and mass. However, at many sites, the remediation process does not meet cleanup objectives due to poor delivery of the chemical reagent to the treatment zone. By providing design engineers with a simple easy-to-use tool for planning aqueous injection systems, the performance of these systems can be substantially improved and costs reduced. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2011)

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Interim Results

An extensive series of numerical model simulations were completed to identify factors controlling distribution of emulsified oil as a bioremediation agent in heterogeneous aquifers. Results showed that contact efficiency increases with increasing amounts of emulsified oil and water. These results have been incorporated into a spreadsheet-based design tool that is available for download. A design tool for ISCO with permanganate will be available in 2010.

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Project Documents

Points of Contact

Principal Investigator

Dr. Robert Borden P.E.

North Carolina State University

Phone: 919-515-1625

Program Manager

Environmental Restoration

SERDP/ESTCP Office
901 North Stuart St, Suite 303
Arlington, VA 22203

Phone: 703-696-2118

Fax: 703-696-2114

Project Documents

Document Types

  • Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
  • Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
  • Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
  • Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
  • Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
  • Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
  • Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
  • Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
  • Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.