Methodology
The
technology used, is based on processes similar to naturally occurring. Artificial
induced crystallization processes within soil or rock formations shall be used
to form barriers preventing saline water intrusion into fresh water horizons.
Solutions are created that are supersaturated in respect to slightly soluble
minerals. During the flow of these solutions through the soil formation
crystallization takes place resulting in a strong permeability reduction.
Multidisciplinary investigations including aspects of basic as well as applied
research are carried out to develop a technology allowing a protection and
sustainable management of fresh water resources in coastal areas.
Theoretical approach
Grout development, geophysical and
geochemical investigations, the description of fluid-rock interactions,
numerical modeling of the process of saline water intrusion and the
characterization of the flow and sealing properties of over saturated
solutions are some of the main topics.
Field tests
Three
field tests in different geological areas will prove the sealing properties of
oversaturated solutions. The result of the project will be a technology,
allowing in combination with developed mathematical models a regulation of the
permeability of porous soil formations and thus a management of saline water
intrusion.
Fundamentals
-
Preparation of solutions leading to the formation of slightly soluble minerals.
-
Solutions
containing dissolved calcium carbonate or gypsum are prepared. The solutions
have concentrations above the natural solubility of the minerals and are
only temporary stable.
-
Injection
of the solutions into rock formations characterized by a high permeability.
-
Injection
pumps are used to bring the solutions through boreholes into the zones,
which have to be sealed.
Sealing
During
traveling through the formation crystallization and thus sealing takes
place.
|
Partner |
Key Person |
Tasks in CRYSTECHSALIN |
|
TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Institute of
Technical Chemistry, Germany |
Priv.-Doz. Dr. habil.
Gerald Ziegenbalg |
Co-ordinator, development of oversaturated
solutions, testing of different grouting strategies |
|
Geoservice, Greece
|
Geophysicist Klisthenis Dimitriadis |
Characterisation of the test site area,
Development of a water management plan for the basin of Eleftheres .
Long term monitoring of the saline water intrusion. |
|
Geoservice pumps, Greece
|
Eng. Yannis Dimitriadis |
Small scale test to determine the most favourable
parameters for grouting, Large scale field test |
|
Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche,
CNR-Cerist, Bari,
Italy |
Dr. Maurizio Polemio |
Geochemical, hydrological and geological
description of the test site, Realisation of the field test |
|
Technion - Israel Institute of
Technology, Haifa, Israel
|
Prof. Jacob Bear,
Dr. Jacob Bensabat |
Development of a numerical model describing salt
water intrusion in the Eleftheres Bay, development of a model
describing the effects of walls within groundwater aquifers |
|
The University of Nottingham, Great
Britain
Department of Mechanical Engineering |
Prof. Henry Power |
Development of a numerical model describing
crystallisation processes from oversaturated solutions |
|
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam,
Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences
The Netherlands |
Dr. Gualbert Oude Essink |
Development of a numerical model
describing groundwater flow and grouting processes at the Italian
test site |
|
Universiteit Gent
Laboratory of Applied Geology and Hydrology,
Belgium
|
Prof. Kristine Walraevens |
Geochemical investigations concerning soil-water
interactions, characterisation of the sealing capacity of
oversaturated solutions, field test in Belgium |
|
Ing. Giovanni Rodio & C. Impresa Costruzioni
Speciali S.P.A, Italy |
Eng. Vittorio Manassero |
Field test in Italy, borehole construction and
grouting |
|
Municipality of Eleftheron, Greece |
Agronomist Theodor TSAVDARIDES |
Support of the field test |
|
Consorcio di Bonifica
di Bradano e Metaponto Matera, Italy |
Dr. Antonino Ferrata |
Support of the field test |
|
