Modeling of LNAPL Spreading and Migration to Locate the Source and Fate of Oil Leaks

A common problem associated with oil refineries is the subsurface contamination resulted from leaking of light non-aqueous phase liquids, LNAPLs, released from storage tanks and underground facilities. In this paper, LNPAL transport on the water table is modeled numerically to simulate the extent of current oil contamination plumes over the groundwater and to investigate the future fate of the contamination and find possible suitable locations for their treatment. The model assumes a sharp interface between the LNPAL and groundwater and takes into account the groundwater velocity and pertinent soil parameters . Spreading and migration of LNPAL mounds with time predicted using the sharp interface model and current leak conditions are simulated an error evaluation procedure .Analysis are carries out considering presence and absence of the leaking sources. The results show that migration is relatively small. Consequently , sources pf contamination are expected to be locates in the proximity of points with maximum LNPAL thickness . Results also indicate that the size and volume of LNPAL mounds are estimated more realistically compared to geostatistical analysis

Keywords:

LNAPL , modeling , sharp interface , refinery , spreding , oil leak