Groundwater Sampling via Dynamic Flow Rate Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring groundwater quality are inaccurate due to factors like VOC volatilization and oxygen diffusion, requiring representative groundwater samples for reliable assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving real-time monitoring of groundwater levels and adjusting extraction flow rates from a monitoring well to obtain representative groundwater samples, using a water suction pump to extract at varying flow rates until equilibrium is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If groundwater is extracted at a constant high flow rate, then sampling efficiency is improved, but the groundwater level fluctuates causing unrepresentative samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant flow rate extraction to variable flow rate extraction. The system dynamically adjusts the extraction flow rate based on real-time groundwater level monitoring, using a first flow rate initially and then a second flow rate when equilibrium is approached, ensuring both efficiency and sample representativeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the groundwater level during extraction and using this information to adjust the extraction flow rate. When the groundwater level change rate falls within a threshold range, the system reduces the flow rate to maintain equilibrium, ensuring representative sampling
2Reliability
If groundwater extraction flow rate is reduced to maintain equilibrium, then sample representativeness is improved, but sampling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by implementing multi-stage flow rate adjustment. Instead of maintaining a low flow rate throughout, the system uses a higher first flow rate initially to quickly reduce the groundwater level, then transitions to a lower second flow rate when equilibrium is approached, optimizing both time and sample quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the extraction flow rate based on the groundwater level change rate, using different flow rates at different stages of the sampling process to balance speed and accuracy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method efficiently samples representative groundwater, ensuring accurate quality monitoring and reducing the need for pre-evaluation of soil conditions, making it cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
groundwater is extracted from a monitoring well at a first flow rate
Implementation Method 2
A method involving real-time monitoring of groundwater levels and adjusting extraction flow rates from a monitoring well
Implementation Method 3
the volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentration of groundwater in the well may decrease as the VOC volatilizing out from the well
Implementation Method 4
oxygen gas in the air may diffuse into groundwater, and oxidize substances in groundwater, such as sulfides and ferrous ions
Implementation Method 5
oxygen gas in the air may diffuse into groundwater, and oxidize substances in groundwater, such as sulfides and ferrous ions
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method for sampling groundwater. The method includes extracting groundwater from a monitoring well in a first flow rate; monitoring groundwater level in real-time, and calculating a decrease of the groundwater level during the extracting in the first flow rate based on the real-time monitored groundwater level; when the decrease of the groundwater level is equal to a first value, extracting groundwater from the monitoring well in a second flow rate, the second flow rate being smaller than the first flow rate; and when the groundwater level is in an equilibration state, extracting groundwater from the monitoring well and using the extracted groundwater at this time as a representative groundwater.