Subsurface Amendment Delivery Using Boreholes and Trickle Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering amendments to subsurface contaminants face challenges due to subsurface heterogeneities, inadequate spatial coverage, and limited persistence, often requiring multiple and costly injection events.
Innovation Solution
The method involves advancing boreholes from the ground surface to the subsurface, filling them with solid amendments, and irrigating with a solvent to dissolve and spread the amendments to a desired treatment zone, utilizing gravity-fed trickle flow for efficient distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If liquid injection methods are used to deliver amendments, then delivery speed is improved, but spatial distribution and targeting precision deteriorate due to flow characteristics and density driven effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid amendments placed in specific boreholes at targeted locations rather than liquid injection that disperses uniformly. Each borehole receives solid amendment material localized to the precise treatment zone needed, achieving both speed and spatial precision through direct placement without flow-dependent distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces boreholes as intermediary structures that bridge the surface and subsurface treatment zones. These boreholes serve as controlled conduits for delivering solid amendments directly to target depths, eliminating the uncontrolled flow paths of liquid injection while maintaining delivery efficiency
2Area of stationary object
If multiple injection events are conducted to achieve adequate amendment distribution, then spatial coverage is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-places solid amendments in boreholes at the beginning of the remediation process, establishing comprehensive spatial coverage in a single operation. This preliminary placement eliminates the need for multiple subsequent injection events, reducing both time and cost while maintaining adequate distribution across the treatment area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple delivery functions into a single solid amendment placement operation. Instead of conducting separate injection events for different zones or depths, the system places solid amendments in multiple boreholes simultaneously, achieving comprehensive spatial coverage in one operation rather than through sequential injections
3Speed
If liquid injection is used for amendment delivery, then persistence of amendments is reduced, but delivery speed is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the amendment from liquid to solid form. This parameter change fundamentally alters the persistence characteristic, as solid amendments do not dissolve and disperse like liquids, thereby maintaining their effectiveness longer in the subsurface environment while still achieving rapid delivery through direct borehole placement
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 approach achieves improved spatial distribution, targets contamination zones effectively, and provides a faster, continual supply of amendments, enhancing remediation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The borehole is irrigated with a solvent to at least partially dissolve the desired amendment and deliver the amendment to a desired treatment zone below the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
The irrigation may comprise employing a gravity fed trickle flow using an irrigation line
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates generally to methods and systems for delivering amendments like sulfate to a subsurface below a ground surface. In one embodiment a process comprises advancing a borehole from the ground surface to the subsurface below the ground surface wherein the borehole is advanced above a water table. The borehole is at least partially filled with a mixture comprising gypsum and a granular media. The borehole is then irrigated with water to at least partially dissolve the gypsum and to spread the dissolved gypsum to a desired treatment zone below the ground surface. The irrigating may comprise employing a gravity fed trickle flow using an irrigation line while the desired treatment zone may comprise one or more hydrocarbons.