Characterizing trapped NAPL in pore networks of unconsolidated sand using synchrotron micro-computed tomography

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper was to determine the correlation of occupancy percentage against the pore radius and coordination numbers for each pore space. X-ray micro-computed tomography images were taken for the fifteen unconsolidated porous media samples (silica sand, quartz sand, and mixed sand) afterapplying the flooding procedures. The flooding procedure started with water imbibition (at 4.07ml/hr), followed by the introduction of sterol 220 (representing the NAPLphase) and finally water flushing. It was first observed that the maximum occupancy in all samples did not exceed 80%. Additionally, intervals increase for pores having 20% or more occupancy, while it decreased for pores occupied with 10% or less with the increase in pore radius. Finally, pores with coordination numbers five or higher were split either above 50% occupancy or below 10% occupancy.