A new physical model based on cascading column experiments to reproduce the radial flow and transport of micro-iron particles

In the field of aquifer restoration and civil engineering, fluids and suspensions are delivered in porous media via well injection. The flow field resulting around the well is three-dimensional. Since two and three-dimensional experiments which can be used to reproduce such flow fields are, although accurate, extremely elaborate and time consuming, the authors suggest to substitute them by a cascade of interdependent, one-dimensional (column) experiments. The new method is used to simulate the injection in aquifers of micro-iron particles dispersed in a shear thinning gel of guar gum and allows the prediction of iron particle distribution around the well and of injection pressure. The method respects the mass balance at the field scale and its predictions are in good agreement with those of a mathematical model proposed in the literature.The method is consistent with the Triad Approach, a way to improve remediation efficiency proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The representativeness of the proposed tests combined with their simplicity and relative inexpensiveness make this new method applicable and useful in the planning and design of real remediation.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The cylindrical volume around the well is discretized in a number of ideal concentric sections.
► The flow in each section is reproduced with a one-dimensional column test.
► The field injection of micro‐iron particles in guar gum is reproduced through the new physical model.
► The distribution of iron particles around the well and injection pressure are predicted.