Variable-density flow and transport simulation of wellbore brine displacement.
Borehole dilution tests have been used for characterization of aquifer hydrogeologic properties for several decades. Based on the principles of borehole dilution tests, we conducted what more appropriately may be considered a wellbore fluid displacement test in a limestone aquifer in South Carolina. Our study area is a quarry in the coastal plain of South Carolina. Using a solution of reagent grade NaCl and deionized H(2)O as a tracer, a brine slug was introduced into a 5 cm (2 in.) diameter Schedule 40 PVC well with a 6-m slotted screen at the bottom. Immediately following addition of the brine, a recording electrical conductivity (EC) sensor was placed in the well opposite the screen and set to record EC in 2-min intervals for 5 days. An alternative to previous methods for analyzing data from wellbore brine displacement tests was developed. Results were analyzed using SEAWAT-2000 to account for the density dependency of brine flow and transport. The high spatial resolution, three-dimensional numerical simulation enabled direct incorporation of well construction peculiarities, including the sand pack and length of screen, in the data analysis. Hydraulic conductivity, effective porosity, and longitudinal dispersivity were adjusted in the simulation model until the best match of simulated wellbore fluid concentrations to observed concentrations was achieved. Using this procedure, we were able to obtain a very close agreement between observed and simulated concentrations and, hence, reliable estimates of the hydrogeologic properties of the aquifer in the vicinity of the test well.
Shafer
John M
JM
Earth Sciences and Resources Institute, University of South Carolina, 1233 Washington St., Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. jshafer@esri.sc.edu
Brantley
Daniel T
DT
Waddell
Michael G
MG
D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D014872:Water Movements