An axisymmetric diffusion experiment for the determination of diffusion and sorption coefficients of rock samples

Diffusion anisotropy is a critical property in predicting migration of substances in sedimentary formations with very low permeability. The diffusion anisotropy of sedimentary rocks has been evaluated mainly from laboratory diffusion experiments, in which the directional diffusivities are separately estimated by through-diffusion experiments using different rock samples, or concurrently by in-diffusion experiments in which only the tracer profile in a rock block is measured. To estimate the diffusion anisotropy from a single rock sample, this study proposes an axisymmetric diffusion test, in which tracer diffuses between a cylindrical rock sample and a surrounding solution reservoir. The tracer diffusion between the sample and reservoir can be monitored from the reservoir tracer concentrations, and the tracer profile could also be obtained after dismantling the sample. Semi-analytical solutions are derived for tracer concentrations in both the reservoir and sample, accounting for an anisotropic diffusion tensor of rank two as well as the dilution effects from sampling and replacement of reservoir solution. The transient and steady-state analyses were examined experimentally and numerically for different experimental configurations, but without the need for tracer profiling. These experimental configurations are tested for in- and out-diffusion experiments using Koetoi and Wakkanai mudstones and Shirahama sandstone, and are scrutinized by a numerical approach to identify favorable conditions for parameter estimation. The analysis reveals the difficulty in estimating diffusion anisotropy; test configurations are proposed for enhanced identifiability of diffusion anisotropy. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the axisymmetric diffusion test is efficient in obtaining the sorption parameter from both steady-state and transient data, and in determining the effective diffusion coefficient if isotropic diffusion is assumed. Moreover, measuring reservoir concentrations in an axisymmetric diffusion experiment coupled with tracer profiling may be a promising approach to estimate of diffusion anisotropy of sedimentary rocks.     

Traffic atmospheric diffusion model

A digital computer model simulation of traffic flow using car-following theory and constrained random input has been developed to predict the concentration of gaseous pollutants (i.e. NO₂ and HC) in the atmosphere emitted from different types of vehicles on the roads, using a simple Gaussian dispersion point source plume.Measurements were made on different roads of Baghdad city. Atmospheric pollutant concentrations, traffic flow rate, traffic composition and climatic conditions were recorded.The prediction method was then tested against measurements. The predicted levels are in acceptable agreement with the measured values. The model was then used to examine various traffic and pollutant control strategies.     

Modeling aerosol formation in opposed-flow diffusion flames

The microstructures of atmospheric pressure, counter-flow, sooting, flat, laminar ethylene diffusion flames have been studied numerically by using a new kinetic model developed for hydrocarbon oxidation and pyrolysis. Modeling results are in reasonable agreement with experimental data in terms of concentration profiles of stable species and gas-phase aromatic compounds. Modeling results are used to analyze the controlling steps of aromatic formation and soot growth in counter-flow configurations. The formation of high molecular mass aromatics in diffusion controlled conditions is restricted to a narrow area close to the flame front where these species reach a molecular weight of about 1000 u. Depending on the flame configuration, soot formation is controlled by the coagulation of nanoparticles or by the addition of PAH to soot nuclei.     

Simple PDF models for convectively driven vertical diffusion

The mode of vertical velocity in convective boundary layers (CBLs) is usually negative and the probability distribution function (PDF) of w, P_w, is rarely symmetric except near the top and bottom of CBLs. Consequently, vertical diffusion from elevated sources is usually asymmetric and exhibits a descending mode of concentration, causing higher peak surface concentrations than predicted by Gaussian models. The main concentration (χ) effects, we argue, can be modeled using the simplest of PDF diffusion models, with tracers responding to P_w at the source height with straight line trajectories and simple reflection at the surface and z_i, the mixing depth. The critical element is the choice of P_w. Two P_w models are offered, a bi-Gaussian (BG) and a Gaussian-ramp (GR) formulation. Both have some observational support, and the resulting PDF models are mathematically tractable. Analytical solutions for key variables are given; these show some surprising contrasts between the BG and GR models, but both can approximate laboratory and numerical modeling results for ∝χdy patterns. A diverse selection of atmospheric turbulence measurements is presented; for measures that reflect asymmetry in P_w, the data show wide ranges and do not lend support to any particular form of P_w. Recent lidar measurements of oil fog plumes are presented that show a large variability in ∝χdy patterns, even with substantial averaging periods. The only concurrent turbulence measurement that strongly correlates with the observed vertical diffusion of oil fog is the mode of wind elevation angle. A simple adaptation of the BG model is recommended that fits the average peak ∝χdy and distance of occurrence as observed so far.     

Nitric acid-air diffusion coefficient: Experimental determination

Trace gaseous HNO₃ in air is removed in a laminar flow nylon tube. The HNO₃ deposition pattern was obtained by sectioning the tube, extracting with an aqueous solution, and measuring the concentration by ion chromatography. Mass transport analysis of the deposition pattern demonstrated the HNO₃ was removed from the air stream at a rate controlled by gaseous diffusion. The HNO₃-air diffusion coefficient = 0.118 ± 0.003 cm² s⁻¹ (n = 7) for T = 298 K and P = 1 atm. It exhibited no dependence on relative humidity over the range 5–95 %.     

A nomographic solution of the Gaussian diffusion equation

The Gaussian diffusion equation for a surface receptor and a nondepositing surface or elevated source is solved by a single nomogram. A table and another nomogram allow adjustment for plume depletion and deposition for depositing particulate matter and reactive gases.     

Pressure effect on soot formation in turbulent diffusion flames

Soot formation in a methane air turbulent jet diffusion flame is investigated numerically using a semi-empirical model. The temperature, density and species (the soot precursor C2H2) fields are calculated using detailed chemical kinetic mechanism based on the flamelet library approach. The influence of pressure on the soot formation and the behavior of the semi-empirical model in different flame situations are investigated. It is found that the flame shape and the flame temperature can be well predicted by the flamelet library approach. The calculated soot yield is mostly sensitive to the soot surface growth rate and the increase of pressure. The increase of pressure leads to the increase of soot surface growth rate and therefore to the increase of soot volume fraction. By adjusting a model constant in the soot surface growth rate, the soot emissions in both pressure p = 1 atm and p = 3 atm are properly simulated by the current semi-empirical soot model.     

Turbulent diffusion modelling FQR wind flow and dispersion analysis

Within the framework of searching for relatively simple, reliable and universal eddy viscosity /diffusivity models, a new three dimensional general non-isotropic model is proposed applicable to any domain complexity and any atmospheric stability conditions. The model utilizes the transport equation for turbulent kinetic energy but introduces a new approach in effective length scale estimation based on the flow global characteristics and local atmospheric stability. The model is discussed in detail and predictions are given for flow field and boundary layer thickness. The results are compared with experimental data with satisfactory results.     

Observations and predictions of jet diffusion flame behaviour

A simple model has been developed for jet diffusion flames to estimate flame height (h_f) and angle of the flame to the vertical (α_B). The model is based upon the assumption that flame behaviour is dominated by momentum effects. Buoyancy influences on behaviour are assumed to be negligible.Predictions of the model were assessed against flame parameters as observed in a wind tunnel and during field tests with an industrial flare. The wind tunnel studies involved experiments with hydrocarbon (methane, propane, ethylene, butane) diffusion flames. Field experiments involved measuring h_f and α_B of flames resulting from the combustion of acid gas-fuel gas mixtures possessing molecular weights of about 37 g mol⁻¹.The one-to-one correlation coefficient between predicted and observed behaviour resulting from combustion of all hydrocarbon fuels, except methane, was about 0.85. The model significantly underestimated flame heights for methane. This seems to have been due to the neglect of buoyancy effects which could be appreciable for this relatively light gas.Evaluation of results from the tests conducted with the industrial flare showed a one-to-one correlation coefficient between observed and predicted values of h_f to be 0.92. The corresponding magnitude for the correlation coefficient between observed and predicted values of α_B was only 0.71. A partial explanation for this relatively low correlation coefficient lies in the small range of α_B values contained in the population sample.     

Measurements of nitrogen dioxide on Funen using diffusion tubes

Monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) by passive sampling on the Danish island Funen (Fyn) show that the concentration of nitrogen dioxide is low (2–20 ppb). The level of NO₂ in rural and suburban areas is governed by imported airpollution, and elevated NO₂ concentrations due to local traffic are of limited importance. These results are supported by diffusion denuder measurements of nitric acid (HNO₃) and particulate nitrate. Measurements of NO₂ with chemiluminescence and diffusive passive sampling showed good agreement between the methods. The special mounting device for the diffusive samplers used in this work seem to have reduced the turbulence at the open end of the tube. The product from the reaction between nitrogen dioxide and triethanolamine was investigated and tentatively identified as triethanolamine N-oxide, which is in accordance with the observed 1 : 1 stoechiometry in the conversion of NO₂ to nitrite ions.     

Simulation of short-range diffusion experiment in low-wind convective conditions

A previously obtained analytical solution to model the short-range dispersion of pollutants in low winds from surface releases has been used to simulate diffusion tests conducted during winter in weakly convective conditions at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The turbulence parameterization based on friction velocity has been tested to simulate diffusion experiment. Such a parameterization in this study is considered justifiable on two counts: (1) prevailing meteorological and dispersion conditions have been generally of weakly unstable type as indicated by values of Monin–Obukhov length and bulk Richardson number, (2) uncertainties associated with the application of convective velocity based similarity parameterization to simulation of diffusion experiment at IIT Delhi, resulting in significant underprediction in most of the cases (Atmos. Environ. 30 (1996a) 1137). With this parameterization, the model simulations have improved considerably and compare reasonably well with the observations. Further, the results from a simple Gaussian model have been included for comparison. This study is in continuation of the work done earlier to simulate near-source dispersion in weak winds.     

In situ diffusion experiment in granite: phase I

A program of in situ experiments, supported by laboratory studies, was initiated to study diffusion in sparsely fractured rock (SFR), with a goal of developing an understanding of diffusion processes within intact crystalline rock. Phase I of the in situ diffusion experiment was started in 1996, with the purpose of developing a methodology for estimating diffusion parameter values. Four in situ diffusion experiments, using a conservative iodide tracer, were performed in highly stressed SFR at a depth of 450 m in the Underground Research Laboratory (URL). The experiments, performed over a 2 year period, yielded rock permeability estimates of 2 x 10(-21) m(2) and effective diffusion coefficients varying from 2.1 x 10(-14) to 1.9 x 10(-13) m(2)/s, which were estimated using the MOTIF code. The in situ diffusion profiles reveal a characteristic "dog leg" pattern, with iodide concentrations decreasing rapidly within a centimeter of the open borehole wall. It is hypothesized that this is an artifact of local stress redistribution and creation of a zone of increased constrictivity close to the borehole wall. A comparison of estimated in situ and laboratory diffusivities and permeabilities provides evidence that the physical properties of rock samples removed from high-stress regimes change. As a result of the lessons learnt during Phase I, a Phase II in situ program has been initiated to improve our general understanding of diffusion in SFR.     

Characterization of emissions from diffusion flare systems

Emissions from flares typical of those found at oil-field battery sites in Alberta, Canada, were investigated to determine the degree to which the flared gases were burned and to characterize the products of combustion in the emissions. The study consisted of laboratory, pilot-scale, and field-scale investigations. Combustion of all hydrocarbon fuels in both laboratory and pilot-scale tests produced a complex variety of hydrocarbon products within the flame, primarily by pyrolytic reactions. Acetylene, ethylene, benzene, styrene, ethynyl benzene, and naphthalene were some of the major constituents produced by conversion of more than 10% of the methane within the flames. The majority of the hydrocarbons produced within the flames of pure gas fuels were effectively destroyed in the outer combustion zone, resulting in combustion efficiencies greater than 98% as measured in the emissions. The addition of liquid hydrocarbon fuels or condensates to pure gas streams had the largest effect on impairing the ability of the resulting flame to destroy the pyrolytically produced hydrocarbons, as well as the original hydrocarbon fuels directed to the flare. Crosswinds were also found to reduce the combustion efficiency (CE) of the co-flowing gas/condensate flames by causing more unburned fuel and the pyrolytically produced hydrocarbons to escape into the emissions. Flaring of solution gas at oil-field battery sites was found to burn with an efficiency of 62-82%, depending on either how much fuel was directed to flare or how much liquid hydrocarbon was in the knockout drum. Benzene, styrene, ethynyl benzene, ethynyl-methyl benzenes, toluene, xylenes, acenaphthalene, biphenyl, and fluorene were, in most cases, the most abundant compounds found in any of the emissions examined in the field flare testing. The emissions from sour solution gas flaring also contained reduced sulfur compounds and thiophenes.     

In situ anion diffusion experiments using radiotracers

Diffusion experiments in compacted bentonite have been carried out in situ using the borehole laboratory CHEMLAB. The "ordinary" anion iodide and the redox-sensitive pertechnetate ion have been investigated. In spite of strongly reducing groundwater conditions, technetium was found to diffuse mostly unreduced as TcO4-, although in some spots in the compacted clay, the activity was significantly higher, which may be explained by reduction of some TcO4- by iron-containing minerals in the bentonite. The measured concentration profiles in the clay cannot be accommodated by assuming one single diffusion process. The experimental data are modeled assuming two diffusion paths, intralamellar diffusion and diffusion in external water. The apparent diffusivity for the intralamellar diffusion was found to be 8.6 x 10(-11) m2 s(-1) for iodide with a capacity factor of 0.1, while the apparent diffusivity for the diffusion in external water was found to be 5 x 10(-14) m2 s(-1) with alpha=2.26. The corresponding values for Tc were found to be Da= 6 x 10(-11) m2 s(-1), alpha=0.1 and Da= 1 x 10(-13) m2 s(-1), alpha=0.46, respectively. The diffusion constants and capacity factors obtained in this study are in accordance with data from laboratory experiments.     

A simple model for diffusion of SO2 in Bergen

A model for computing daily mean SO₂ concentrations in Bergen, Norway, is developed and tested using SO₂ measurements from seven winter seasons during the 1970s. The meteorological predictors used are daily mean temperature, wind speed and temperature at two levels. Source strength is estimated from daily mean temperature. Correlations between observed and estimated SO₂ concentrations ranged between 0.8 and 0.9. Observed SO₂ levels declined by about 40 % from beginning to end of the observation period due to decreased SO₂ emission.     

机动车尾气扩散模型研究进展

机动车尾气扩散模型作为一种重要的工具被用于评估城市空气质量、为污染控制战略以及交通规划决策制定提供支持。对国内外机动车尾气扩散模式进行了回顾,结合各种模式的特征,将其分为综合扩散模式、开阔道路线源扩散模式、交叉口道路扩散模式以及街道峡谷扩散模式,分别对模式的优缺点以及其适用性进行了分析,针对我国道路交通特征,提出了模型本土化所需解决的问题和未来的研究趋势。     

Simultaneous estimation of effective and apparent diffusion coefficients in compacted bentonite

Effective diffusion coefficients (D(e)) are usually measured by means of "through-diffusion" experiments in which steady state is reached, and the "time-lag" methods are used to estimate the apparent diffusion coefficient (D(a)). For sorbing radionuclides (as caesium), the time needed to reach steady-state conditions is very large, and the precision in D(a) determinations is not satisfactory. In this paper, a method that allows determining simultaneously effective and apparent diffusion coefficients in compacted bentonite without reaching steady-state conditions is described. Basically, this method consists of an "in-diffusion" experiment in which the concentration profile in the bentonite sample is used to estimate D(a), and the temporal evolution of the solute concentration in the reservoir is used to estimate D(e). This method has several advantages over the typical "through-diffusion" experiments, in particular: (a) experiment duration is significantly shorter, (b) D(a) values are measured with greater precision and (c) it is not necessary to maintain a constant solute concentration in the reservoir. This new method has been used to estimate the effective and apparent diffusion coefficients for caesium in FEBEX bentonite and in order to validate it, the results have been compared with results previously obtained with standard methods. Experimental results have been satisfactorily modelled using a simple model of diffusion in porewater and the measured value of D(e)(Cs) is very similar to D(e)(HTO) in the same bentonite. There is no evidence of "surface diffusion" in FEBEX bentonite for caesium.     

Intraparticle diffusion of a basic dye during adsorption onto sphagnum peat

The adsorption of a basic dye from aqueous solutions onto peat has been examined. Intraparticle diffusion in the peat pore structure is proposed as a mass transfer mechanism. The results indicate a diffusion process in occurring by a macropore and micropore controlled process. A diffusion rate parameter, k, is proposed and is correlated with possible system variables.     

上海市截流外排工程污水扩散影响数值研究

城市污水截流外排工程是上海市城市水环境整治的重大战略。文章以CODCr为例,数值模拟研究了上海近岸水域东、南、西三大截流外排干线不同排污方案下污染物的输移扩散规律。结果表明,长江口的水动力条件有利于污水的稀释扩散;在现状排污条件下,无论洪枯季,引起的环境水体污染物CODCr浓度增量均不大,能够满足长江口水环境容量的要求;对于规划排放量的污水,预处理和一级处理条件下引起的环境水体污染物CODCr,浓度增量较为显著,对周围敏感目标的影响也比较大;二级处理条件下所引起的污染浓度增量比较小,对水环境的影响相对较小。因此,在规划城市污水外排工程时,建议必须近期和远期相结合,合理充分利用水体自净能力。