Use of Geoelectrical Techniques to Detect Hydrocarbon Plume in Leaking Pipelines
Publication: Lifelines 2022
ABSTRACT
Soil contamination due to pipeline leakage has an adverse effect on environment. Geoelectrical methods can be used in assessing the hydrocarbon contamination within soil medium. This study experimentally investigates the efficiency of Electrical Resistivity (ER) and Induced Polarization (IP) in detecting and monitoring hydrocarbon soil contamination as a result of buried pipeline leakage into clayey backfill material. The work presents the results of a laboratory-scaled free field model contaminated by a petroleum hydrocarbon light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL). Localized areas within the soil layer were injected with a 10% used motor oil by weight. The Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and IP surveys were conducted in 2D, 3D, and 4D formats to verify the location of the contaminated area as well as its dimension and its progress with time. To better understand the geoelectrical characterization of contaminated model soil, a series of proctor compaction tests are carried out using a modified plastic mold. The results of these specimen tests are used to interpret the outcome of ERT and IP surveys. Based on these results, geoelectrical tools may be used in subsurface investigations for delineating the hydrocarbon plume location along pipeline projects. It is also discussed how LNAPL detection by these methods can help in designing sampling strategies to save cost and time.
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Lifelines 2022
Pages: 680 - 690
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Published online: Nov 16, 2022
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