Analytical model for uni-directional flow passive soil vapour extraction system

Abstract

An analytical one-dimensional model has been developed to examine the uni-directional barometric pumping in passive Soil Vapour Extraction (SVE) system. The model is applicable to a special case in which a radial flow field is insignificant. The system considered contains two unsaturated zone layers, an upper contaminated low permeability layer and a lower high permeability layer contains a well screens. The numerical simulations results show that an increase in upper layer thickness results in increase in cumulative displacement. It is clear that to extract relatively effective amount of air, upper layer thickness should be at least few tens meters.