Application of a Multicomponent, 3-Dimensional, Vapor Transport Model for Simulating Data from a Full-Scale SVE Systme for Removing Jet Fuel

摘要

Soil vapor extraction (SVE) has gained acceptance over the last decade as an effective technique for removing volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) from the unsaturated zone. Mathematical models have been developed for use on computers to describe the behavior and performance of vapor extraction systems; however, the validity of these computer tools has not been evaluated for field setting where contamination exists as a multicomponent mixture (e.g., fuel contamination). The applicability of SVE models to field sites ahs not been assessed primarily because a thorough testing of a model requires a comprehensive data set. Only one set of field data have we identified that is comprehensive enough to evaluate the ability of field-scale SVE mdoels. In this study, VENT3D a 3-dimensional vapor flow ans multicomponent transport model was used to simulate the performance of a previously reported SVE operation at a jet (JP-4) fuel contaminated site at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Field data was used to obtain the input parameters that were needed to describe the subsurface air flow and contaminant removel rate. The model was then used in a rully predictive sense to describe the depletion of JP-4 by volatilization during the full-scale vapor extraction operation. The mode was able to predict the system behavior due to changes in operating conditions. This work also demonstrates how field data can be analyzed and interpreted so that rather sophisticated models can be applied to full-scale SVE systems.