Demonstration of the Multiple-Location Saturation-Pressure Apparatus for Multiphase Porous Media Systems
EMSL Project ID
21491
Abstract
Parameter values for saturation-pressure models are either obtained from the literature or determined experimentally. The experimental apparati used to determine data for systems involving NAPL are typically based on the retention cell method described by Lenhard and Parker (1988). The retention cell, with volumes in the order of 100 cm3, contains hydrophilic and hydrophobic ceramic rings that allow water and oil, respectively, to move in and out of the porous medium. Researchers of the Subsurface Flow and Transport Experimental Laboratory at the EMSL have recently designed and constructed the Multiple Location Saturation-Pressure Apparatus (MLSPA) as an alternative to the small retention cell to obtain multifluid retention parameter values. Besides for static determination of S-P relations, the MLSPA offers the additional benefit that it can be used for more dynamic experiments where fluid pressures are changed more rapidly.
We would like to propose conducting four experiments with the MLSPA, using a laboratory-grade Accusand (Schroth et al., 1996) and a sandy porous medium from the Hanford Site. For each porous medium, a static and a dynamic experiment will be performed. After data analysis, the static experiments will yield S-P parameter values. The dynamic experiments, with more rapid fluid pressure changes, will produce data to test and verify the full relative permeability-saturation-pressure models. The results of these experiments will be published in the form of a peer-reviewed journal.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2006-10-01
End Date
2007-10-01
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
Related Publications
Wietsma, T.W., M. Oostrom, M., M.A. Covert, T.W. Queen, and M.J. Fayer. 2009. An automated apparatus for constant flux, constant head, and falling head hydraulic conductivity measurements. Soil Science Society of America J. 73: 466-470.