Comparison of Continuous and Pulsed Pump-and-Treat for Mass Transfer-Limited Aquifers

Authors: AYŞEGÜL AKSOY, TERESA B. CULVER

Abstract: Two different optimal design models are used to compare pulsed and continuous pumping remediation schemes for mass transfer-limited aquifers. All optimal design models couple a genetic algorithm with a flow and transport simulation model. The static pulsed pumping design model compares pulsed pumping with multiple management periods to continuous pumping for the same total remediation time. Results show that, depending on the initial mass of contaminant mass, it may be possible to cleanup the aquifer with costs similar to those of continuous pumping with less total pumping time. Although higher pumping rates are required for pulsed pumping, the total volume of water extracted decreases and the mass removal efficiency improves. The dynamic pulsed pumping design model compares pulsed and continuous pumping for the same pumping effort defined in terms of pumping days. By adjusting the total remediation time and using flexible management time lengths and pumping rates, considerable savings in both operating and capitals costs are achieved. Despite the longer remediation time, significantly less water is pumped out with increased mass removal efficiency.

Keywords: Pulsed pump-and-treat, Genetic algorithms, Optimization, Aquifer remediation, Mass transfer-limitation

Full Text: PDF