Methods and system for delivering amendments to subsurface
The present application relates generally to methods and systems for delivering amendments like sulfate to a subsurface below a ground surface. In one embodiment a process comprises advancing a borehole from the ground surface to the subsurface below the ground surface wherein the borehole is advanced above a water table. The borehole is at least partially filled with a mixture comprising gypsum and a granular media. The borehole is then irrigated with water to at least partially dissolve the gypsum and to spread the dissolved gypsum to a desired treatment zone below the ground surface. The irrigating may comprise employing a gravity fed trickle flow using an irrigation line while the desired treatment zone may comprise one or more hydrocarbons.
1 . A method for delivering sulfate to a subsurface below a ground surface comprising:
advancing a borehole from the ground surface to the subsurface below the ground surface wherein the borehole is advanced above a water table;
at least partially filling the borehole with a mixture comprising gypsum and a granular media; and
irrigating the borehole with water to at least partially dissolve the gypsum and to deliver the dissolved gypsum to a desired treatment zone below the ground surface wherein the irrigating comprises employing a gravity fed trickle flow using an irrigation line and wherein the desired treatment zone comprises one or more hydrocarbons.
2 . The method of claim 1 which further comprises lining the borehole with a perforated lining prior to the at least partial filling and wherein the at least partially filling the borehole comprises putting the mixture into the perforated lining.
3 . The method of claim 1 wherein the granular media is sand, gravel, activated carbon, or any combination thereof.
4 . The method of claim 1 wherein the mixture further comprises one or more amendments.
5 . The method of claim 1 wherein the water further comprises one or more dissolved amendments.
6 . The method of claim 1 wherein the dissolved gypsum is spread laterally, vertically, or both from the borehole.
7 . The method of claim 1 wherein the gravity fed trickle flow is configured to spread dissolved gypsum laterally, vertically, or both due to advective, dispersive, and diffusive processes.
8 . A method for delivering amendments to a subsurface below a ground surface comprising:
advancing a borehole from the ground surface to the subsurface below the ground surface;
at least partially filling the borehole with a desired solid amendment during advancing, subsequent to advancing, or any combination thereof;
irrigating the borehole with a solvent to at least partially dissolve the desired amendment and deliver the amendment to a desired treatment zone below the ground surface.
9 . The method of claim 8 wherein the irrigating comprises employing a gravity fed trickle flow using an irrigation line.
10 . The method of claim 8 which further comprises at least partially filing the borehole with a granular media.
11 . The method of claim 8 wherein the granular media is sand, gravel, or any combination thereof.
12 . The method of claim 8 wherein the desired solid amendment is water soluble and the solvent is water.
13 . The method of claim 8 wherein the desired solid amendment comprises a sulfate.
14 . The method of claim 8 wherein the desired solid amendment comprises gypsum.
15 . The method of claim 8 wherein the borehole is advanced into a contamination zone in need of remediation with the desired amendment.
16 . The method of claim 8 wherein the borehole is advanced through a contamination zone in need of remediation with the desired amendment.
17 . The method of claim 8 wherein the borehole is advanced adjacent a contamination zone in need of remediation with the desired amendment.
18 . The method of claim 8 wherein the borehole is advanced to above a water table.
19 . The method of claim 8 wherein the treatment zone comprises one or more hydrocarbons.
20 . A system for delivering amendments to a subsurface below a ground surface comprising:
a plurality of boreholes from the ground surface to the subsurface below the ground surface wherein the plurality of boreholes are advanced above a water table and wherein the plurality of boreholes are at least partially filled with a desired solid amendment; and
an irrigation line fluidly connected to the plurality of boreholes such that the plurality of boreholes are irrigated with a solvent to at least partially dissolve the desired amendment and deliver the amendment to a desired treatment zone below the ground surface.