The data obtained with the flow sensor provided critical evidence that was instrumental in assessing the significance of the sinkhole in terms of the integrity of the oil storage facility. In future deployments the challenge will be to find ways to install the probes so that disturbance of the hydrologic and thermal properties of the medium is minimized. This technology is specifically used for obtaining groundwater flow-velocity information at contaminated sites. The system was successfully demonstrated and the technology is licensed to SIE, Inc. of Ft. Worth, Texas for commercialization.
Systems are available for purchase.
In addition, permits may be required for drilling at contaminated sites. The in situ permeable flow sensor can be useful at a wide variety of sites and with several different remediation processes. They can be used at any site where information on groundwater flow velocity is necessary. Such information is critical to the characterization of waste sites, the monitoring of remediation activities, and the monitoring of post-closure performance of remediated sites. The baseline technology uses hydraulic head gradients and hydraulic conductivities in boreholes to determine flow velocity.