Horizontal Air Sparging Design

How can I calculate the air flow needed in horizontal air sparging (for clay for example)?  

All the information I found is about recommended flows for vertical wells (0.04 - 1.1 m3/min) but this data is not applicable for horizontal pipes.

I tried to find a radius of influence of aeration but only found data of solubility of air in water.

Do you have any recommendations on how to calculate the required flow?

Taxonomy

• Soil
• Groundwater
• Groundwater Assessment
• Groundwater Pollution
• Soil & Water Assessment Tools
• Soil Management
• water treatment

2 Answers

1. Madam; If you explain for what purpose you are passing flow through ground strata that may be more clear; because air flow and water flow are entirely different; actually difficult to pass through unconfined aquifers because more than atmospheric pressure flow will be multi directional not remain horizontal; while in confined aquifers flow can pass through confined passage ; provided we must have porosity/resistance to flow /pressure between two points /velocity / cross sectional area etc . or it may be simulated lab. test to field application.

2. Hi

   I don't think air will behave differently wrt vertical or horizontal dispersion. Consider to inject/ release air in a slow process , in small bubbles at depth sufficient to allow its effect on top cover (thru porosity above the tunnels ). Suggestion from a layman.