Numerical analysis and centrifugal modeling of LNAPLs transport in subsurface system

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2006

Abstract

The transport of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in unsaturated soils and groundwater is an important research topic in geo-environmental engineering. In this paper, the mechanism of light NAPLs (LNAPLs) transport in subsurface system is briefly introduced and the mass transport equations, fluid flow equations and the constitutive model of relative permeability - saturation - capillary pressure are discussed. Then the numerical method is introduced to simulate the multiphase flow problems in porous media, and the tempo-spatial distribution of LNAPLs is obtained. Moreover, different boundary conditions are employed in numerical simulation to investigate its effect on transport behavior. To verify the numerical data, centrifugal tests are conducted to model the LNAPLs migration in unsaturated soils and groundwater. The calculation results are agreeable with the experimental findings of centrifugal modeling, which indicates that LNAPLs from leaking point move downwards due to gravity force, and form a high concentration zone above the capillary fringe, and then spread out laterally along the groundwater table. Some LNAPL enters groundwater system to further migrate. The combination of numerical simulation and centrifuge modeling can be a useful means to study the transport behavior of LNAPLs in subsurface system.

Identifier

33646509439 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Progress in Natural Science Materials International

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1080/10020070612330013

ISSN

10020071

First Page

416

Last Page

424

Issue

4

Volume

16

Grant

50209006

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS