Case Studies - OH001 - Pneumatic Fracturing

Diffusion Plant - Ohio

Project Summary
Pneumatic Fracturing was applied to increase aquifer hydraulic conductivity at the DOE Portsmouth Gas Diffusion Plant in Piketon, Ohio. The uppermost aquifer was a silt formation commonly interbedded with clay and sand lenses. The lower aquifer consisted of sand and gravel. Pneumatic Fracturing was applied in each of these formations to increase the hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity of those aquifers.

Post-fracture conductivity testing showed Pneumatic Fracturing was effective for doubling the hydraulic conductivity of the upper silt formation, and increasing the hydraulic conductivity of the lower formation by 60%. It also substantially increased the "dewatering" of the site, which can be used to increase the unsaturated zone depth.

Summary of Gallia Hydraulic Conductivity Data (Horizontal Values):

Test Designation
Test Procedure
T (ft2/min)
K (ft/min)
K (cm/sec)
K (ft/day)
Pre-fracture
Slug Test
0.01452
7.38E-03
20.91
Pre-fracture
PFW-5G
0.08982
0.02994
1.52E-02
43.11
Pre-fracture
PFW-10G
0.08416
0.028053
1.43E-02
40.40
Pre-fracture
PFW-15G
0.08723
0.029077
1.48E-02
41.87
Post-fracture
Slug Test
0.02292
1.16E-02
33.00
Post-fracture
PFW-5G
0.1498
0.049933
2.54E-02
71.90
Post-fracture
PFW-10G
0.1321
0.044033
2.24E-02
63.41
Post-fracture
PFW-15G
0.1368
0.0456
2.32E-02
65.66

PFW-1M Injection 2 Pressure Curve:

PFW-1M Injection 3 Pressure Curve:

 

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