Sorbent Layer Flux Meter for Fracture Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and measuring contaminant fluxes and fluid flow in aquifers are inadequate, particularly in fracture rock systems, as they are cumbersome, require extensive equipment, and generate waste, while existing technologies like the Passive Flux Meter are not suited for fracture flow systems or multiple-screened wells.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sorbent layer attached to an impermeable flexible liner (IFL) is introduced into the flow system to intercept fluid flux, allowing for simultaneous measurement of cumulative fluid and solute fluxes, as well as fracture parameters like locations, separations, and orientations, without extracting water samples, thus avoiding waste generation and equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pumping and sampling methods are used to measure contaminant fluxes and fluid flow, then measurements can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome, requires extensive equipment, and generates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex pumping and sampling equipment by using a passive flux meter that directly measures contaminant fluxes and fluid flow in situ, eliminating the need for extensive sampling equipment and laboratory analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The flux meter is designed to autonomously measure contaminant fluxes and fluid flow parameters without requiring external pumping equipment, complex sampling procedures, or extensive laboratory equipment, making the measurement system self-sufficient
2Measurement precision
If water samples are extracted for analysis, then contaminant concentrations can be measured, but waste products are generated and disposal problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The flux meter performs in situ measurements of contaminant fluxes and fluid flow directly at the measurement location, eliminating the need to extract, transport, and dispose of water samples, thus preventing waste generation entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sampling and transportation system with a passive measurement system that directly quantifies contaminant fluxes through the sorbent layer, substituting physical sample extraction with in situ analytical measurement
3Measurement precision
If the Passive Flux Meter technology is used, then cumulative water and solute fluxes can be measured, but it is not suited for fracture flow systems or multiple-screened wells
Solution Approach 1:
The flux meter is designed with universal applicability to measure cumulative fluid and solute fluxes in diverse hydrogeological settings including fracture flow systems, multiple-screened wells, and conventional aquifers, making it adaptable to various measurement requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the flux meter design parameters including the sorbent layer configuration and measurement methodology to accommodate different flow regimes such as fracture flow and matrix flow, enabling versatile application across multiple well types and geological formations
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 enables efficient, accurate, and continuous estimation of fluid and solute fluxes, along with fracture parameters, facilitating site-specific remediation and reducing labor and equipment costs, while being applicable in various borehole configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a sorbent layer containing at least one insoluble sorbent matrix and at least one resident tracer with a known mass sorbed on the sorbent
Implementation Method 2
an impermeable flexible liner which is deflatable and inflatable
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method and apparatus for simultaneously monitoring the magnitudes and directions of fluid fluxes and dissolved contaminants fluxes of a general flow system in both simply and multiply screened monitoring wells as well as unscreened boreholes is provided. Also, parameters such as fracture locations, separations, inclinations, orientations of inclination and apertures in a fracture flow system can be estimated. The invention comprises the use of a sorbent layer containing an insoluble sorbent matrix that retains dissolved contaminants, which is attached to an impermeable flexible liner. The matrix may also contain visible or invisible tracers that can be displaced by the fluid flow. The monitoring comprises placing devices in contact with the contaminated flow over certain intervals, thereby allowing contaminants to be sorbed to the sorbing matrix of the layer. Sufficient time is allowed for the contaminant concentrations in the flow field to reach equilibrium. The sorptive layer is then removed from contact with the flow field and analyzed to determine cumulative contaminant fluxes and cumulative fluid fluxes. Dye tracer marks on the sorptive layer allow for identifying fracture locations, separations, inclinations, orientation of inclinations and apertures as well as flow directions in the fracture planes.