Open AccessEnhancing in situ bioremediation with pneumatic fracturing
Author(s) -
D.B. Anderson,
Brent M. Peyton,
J.L. Liskowitz,
C. Fitzgerald,
John R. Schuring
Publication year - 1994
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.2172/72928
Subject(s) - permeability (electromagnetism) , hydraulic fracturing , petroleum engineering , geology , cabin pressurization , geotechnical engineering , environmental science , materials science , chemistry , composite material , biochemistry , membrane
A major technical obstacle affecting the application of in situ bioremediation is the effective distribution of nutrients to the subsurface media. Pneumatic fracturing can increase the permeability of subsurface formations through the injection of high pressure air to create horizontal fracture planes, thus enhancing macro-scale mass-transfer processes. Pneumatic fracturing technology was demonstrated at two field sites at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tests were performed to increase the permeability for more effective bioventing, and evaluated the potential to increase permeability and recovery of free product in low permeability soils consisting of fine grain silts, clays, and sedimentary rock. Pneumatic fracturing significantly improved formation permeability by enhancing secondary permeability and by promoting removal of excess soil moisture from the unsaturated zone. Postfracture airflows were 500% to 1,700% higher than prefracture airflows for specific fractured intervals in the formation. This corresponds to an average prefracturing permeability of 0.017 Darcy, increasing to an average of 0.32 Darcy after fracturing. Pneumatic fracturing also increased free-product recovery rates of number 2 fuel from an average of 587 L (155 gal) per month before fracturing to 1,647 L (435 gal) per month after fracturing