The Problem- Successful and cost effective LNAPL recovery requires a sound understanding of the LNAPL mobility. Measuring LNAPL recovery can be carried out via baildown tests, however, using an interface probe to carry out the test it is not always accurate due to the characteristics of the LNAPL. For example highly viscous LNAPLs tend to stick to the sensors of interface probes which can lead to erroneous data on each dip, and so tracking these LNAPLs with interface probes can become impossible.

The Result –Using Ecologia’s newly developed radar LNAPL probe we were able to carry out a baildown test on a <30 cm thick LNAPL, comprising highly viscous hydraulic oils. Ecologia measured this to be 400 cSt – greater than melted chocolate!

We already understood that the LNAPL was mobile, as it was migrating off-site, but putting a precise value to that mobility was the challenge. It is very difficult to even measure this viscous LNAPL with an interface probe, yet alone carry out a baildown test.

 

Ecologia’s radar probe was unaffected by the sticky and viscous nature of the LNAPL and was able to accurately track the LNAPL as it recharged into the well.

Clear and precise data were produced and these allowed the rapid calculation of the transmissivity for the drawdown over time. In a highly viscous and mobile fluid, 120 measurements were taken in 20 minutes. The resolution and accuracy of the resulting test demonstrated the advantages of using Ecologia’s radar probe, as this test would not have been possible would not have been possible collecting manual readings using an interface probe.

Benefits of  the LNAPL Probe

Easy Deployment  

Accurate and Robust Data

Cost & Time Savings

If  you  want  to  find  more  about our  probes  please read THIS ARTICLE.