New Insights Into LNAPL Saturations: How Much is Really There?

摘要

In the past few years advances have been made in the understanding of LNAPL distribution, mobility and recovery estimation. In applying these new techniques, BP has collected soil and LNAPL samples and data from many sites throughout the world that has caused several changes to site hydrogeologic conceptual models. One of those changes being the LNAPL saturations observed in the field and the impact such realities have on LNAPL volumes, recoverability, and problem definition. This paper presents LNAPL saturations from several locations in the US and worldwide. It also discusses how these saturations are readily explained based on improved understanding of the oil-water capillary pressure curve and forces that are generated during the occurrence of contamination. The paper also discusses the impact these findings have on site conceptual models; problem definition; and expectations for recovery.