Numerical Modelling and Analysis.
In the initial stages of an ET-DSPTM project, Mc2 uses a numerical model to analyze site characteristics and simulate expected outcomes from the application of ET-DSPTM. This information includes, but is not limited to, surface infrastructure, surrounding land uses, short term site usage during remediation, subsurface lithology, depth to groundwater, plume characterization, the characteristics of the contaminant of concern, distribution of the contaminant and required time to attain target temperatures.
This data is then examined and, through the use of numerical modelling and analysis simulation software combined with a state-of-the-art bench-scale experimental station, the optimal thermal remediation strategy for the site is devised. This modelling is important to determine optimum electrode configuration in terms of pattern type, shape, and separation; power supply requirements; power synchronization; optimal target temperature; and estimated time to attain the targeted temperature. Every numerical report generated by McMillan-McGee characterizes and measures each site for contaminant concentration, electrical conductivity of the soil and its distribution. This involves the measurement of the electrical properties of the soil as a function of temperature and water saturation. The data is fundamental for the design of the Power Delivery System (PDS), estimation of the time required for heating the soil, determination of the power requirements, and numerical simulation of the heating process.