Enhanced removal of residual DNAPL with hot water injection

grantor: University of TorontoAn experimental cell and remediation system were designed to analyze hot water flushing of residual dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). Experiments were performed to calibrate the hydraulic and thermal properties of the system within a computer model. Simulations were conducted to evaluate preferential flow through thermal plumes and to assess the effects of increased temperatures on DNAPL dissolution. The intrinsic permeability of the system was calibrated, with ' R'2 values ranging from 0.783 to 0.995. The thermal model was not sensitive enough to the heat capacity and heat loss coefficient values to allow model errors to be consistently minimized for the two sample times examined. Simulations demonstrated that preferential flow within a heat plume would not be significant over long periods of time. Improved recovery was achieved in variable temperature simulations of residual tetrachloroethylene (PCE) dissolution, but significant increases in recovery may only be realized in mass transfer rate limited systems.M.A.Sc