Migration of trichloroethylene in a homogeneous porous medium. 2D numerical study

Abstract : The infiltration of hydrocarbons and chlorinated solvents in soils and groundwater represents one of the most serious risks of long-term contamination. Transport of Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (DNAPL) and especially chlorinated solvents is controlled by their physical and chemical properties. The aim of this work is to better understand the behaviour of Trichloroethylene (TCE) in a homogeneous porous medium by using both experimental data and numerical simulations. The study focuses on the influence of capillary fringe and differential water saturation on the behaviour of TCE phases. The experimental data of capillary pressure curve versus water saturation obtained for a homogeneous porous medium is used in the numerical study carried out with SIMUSCOPP package and is compared with simulations performed without taking into account capillary fringe.