Pneumatic Fracturing in North Carolina
PF proves best option when remediating a manufacturing facility without interrupting plant day-to-day activities.
In November, 2001, a three-day pilot scale test at a manufacturing facility in North Carolina was completed. Pneumatic Fracturing was applied in four separate boreholes targeting discrete intervals from 6 feet to 27 feet below ground surface. The goal of this project was to increase flow rates in the low permeable saprolitic formation that has been contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE).
This project was challenged by the presence of a load bearing wall, located within 6 feet and 25 feet of a pair of injection locations, respectively. Extensive survey of the walls and computer modeling were performed on the load bearing structure to determine its allowable movement and insure that no detrimental impact would occur from the fracturing. The load bearing columns were monitored closely during all fracturing events to ensure that heave did not exceed the movement criteria, as determined from the computer modeling.
Using pressures of less than 150 psi, the formation was fractured. Pressure response measured in surrounding monitoring wells using pressure gauges supported a fracturing radius of influcence of 25+ feet. Extraction and air sparging tests performed by the client subsequent to the completion of pneumatic fracturing, indicated very promising results. ARS is scheduled to return to the facility in early 2002 to perform additional fracturing at deeper depths to target the lower strata.
|
|
 |
|
