Date of Award
4-1998
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr. Duane R. Hampton
Second Advisor
Dr. Alan E. Kehew
Third Advisor
Dr. Estella Atekwana
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Delays in the appearance of free product (e.g. fuels) in groundwater monitoring wells often cause costly delays in site evaluation. Little is known about how monitoring well design and installation affect this rate of appearance. This study examined the effects of well screen open area, filter pack grain size and wettability, and well development methods on the rate of appearance and subsequent thickness of free product in wells.
Laboratory and field results indicate that free product appears faster in hydrophilic filter packs than in hydrophobic filter packs. Hydrophobic filter packs with a finer grain size than the "industry standard", seem to be more productive, and have a faster rate of appearance than coarser filter packs.
Results from a field experiment indicate that increased open area in well screens increases the rate of appearance and productivity of a monitoring well. Field investigations also indicate, in areas of free product contamination, the surge block development method may be counterproductive due to clogging of the near well zone by bacterial growth and fine material. Overpumping a well for development proved fastest in rate of product appearance, while bailing proved most productive.
Recommended Citation
Green, Bradley A., "Factors Governing the Rate of Appearance of Fuels in Monitoring Wells" (1998). Masters Theses. 4791.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4791