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Use of Temperature to Track Subsurface Conditions and Process Dynamics
Citation:
Ford, R., B. Lien, S. Acree, AND R. Ross. Use of Temperature to Track Subsurface Conditions and Process Dynamics. EPA Engineering Forum Monthly Conference Call, CINCINNATI, Ohio, September 04, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation summarizes recent advances for use of temperature as a surrogate to track changes in engineered subsurface systems in which heat-producing or heat-consuming processes are active. The information derived from this site characterization method provides a cost-effective approach to track progress for applicable systems. The presentation content will be useful to project managers and technical staff from USEPA Regions, State Environmental Agencies, and Remediation Contractors involved with cleanup of hazardous waste sites.
Description:
Monitoring temperature of environmental media can provide a way to track changes in engineered systems deployed for subsurface applications. Temperature data can be used for qualitative or quantitative assessments of subsurface fluid flow, as well as for tracking the progress of heat-producing or consuming reactions that are driven by the engineered system. There is a range of affordable commercial sensors of high accuracy that provide for continuous, unattended acquisition of temperature data, which presents cost-effective options for development of monitoring systems. The presentation will include example applications for monitoring fluid flow in unsaturated and saturated systems based on continuous temperature measurements. Disclaimer: The findings and conclusions in this presentation have not been formally disseminated by the U.S. EPA and should not be construed to represent any agency determination or policy.