Estimation of water - LNAPL transfer with different granular materials using X-ray CT image analysis

Abstract

The objective of this study is to improve the understanding the migration mechanisms of Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPLs) in porous media at the pore network scale. In this paper, an evaluation of trapped LNAPL in a pore structure after injection experiments coupled with micro focused X-ray Computed Tomography (MXCT) is presented. Image analysis of pore occupation by fluids from MXCT data was performed using different granular materials: glass beads and sandy soil. It can be observed that the trapping process is dependent on the pore structure. Specifically, LNAPL tends to be retained in larger pores in certain area where can work capillary pressure.