Case Studies - KS001 - Pneumatic Fracturing

Chemical Incineration Plant - Coffeyville - Kansas

Pneumatic Fracturing was performed in a dense clay formation at an industrial plant in Northern Kansas. The site was contaminated with VOCs, primarily TCE and tetrachloroethene. Pre- and post-fracture extraction tests were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pneumatic Fracturing technology. Fracturing was applied from 7 to 20 ft below ground surface (bgs) in discrete 2.25-feet intervals.

Procedure

Pneumatic fracture injections were applied in a single fracture well at five intervals between 7ft and 20 ft bgs. The effectiveness of the PF technology was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-fracture air permeability test results, derived from analyzing monitored extraction flow rate and vacuum influence in surrounding pressure monitoring points.

Outcome

As a result of Pneumatic Fracturing, air permeability was observed to increase by a factor of five. The vacuum radius of influence increased significantly. During pre-fracture extraction testing, several monitor points showed no vacuum radius of influence; however, during the post-fracture testing, a vacuum influence was observed at all but one point and measured as far away as 10 feet from the fracture well.

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