Skip to main content

X-Ray Computed Tomography of Sediment Samples


EMSL Project ID
60137

Abstract

We propose to use X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to generate 3-D images of sediment cores to aid in describing the physical characteristics of the subsurface. Intact core sediments (e.g., from the 200-DV-1 Operable Unit) require sediment characterization to support contaminant risk assessment and transport modeling as well as pump and treat optimization decisions. Sediment core samples are collected from Hanford by site contractors and delivered to the 331 building for specific project analysis. These cores may be considered radiological material or Environmentally Controlled Material (ECM). XCT will provide 3-D morphological information on the internal grain and pore structure of intact sediment cores and help guide the selection of sediment samples best suited for additional characterization in the laboratory. For example, XCT can identify larger sediment particles within the cores as well as information on defects and locations of void spaces that may impact results for intact column transport experiments. These data will contribute to a broader characterization of the physical and hydraulic sediment properties including lithology, density, moisture content, particle size, and porosity. In addition, these combined results will guide additional experiments quantifying the long-term mobility of contaminants of concern. In addition, the XCT data can provide crucial information for transport modeling and related calculations.

Project Details

Start Date
2021-05-27
End Date
2021-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Michelle Valenta Snyder
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Co-Investigator(s)

Danielle Saunders
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Hilary Emerson
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Thomas Wietsma
Institution
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory