Multiphase multicomponent modelling of the NAPL transfer in the subsurface using Method of Lines

Abstract

This paper presents the three dimensional multicomponent multi-phase simulator CUBICM (M3 ) combining reactive transport and mass transfer modules. The main purpose of this tool is to evaluate and quantify Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) plume attenuation by soil microorganisms and kinetic mass transfer processes such as dissolution, volatilization, sorption. Physical, biological and numerical concepts are given here in a fully embedded method of lines scheme using control volume finite element. The aim of the developed numerical code is to allow a flexible selection of physical formalisms via a dedicated Graphical User Interface in order to study the fate of pollutants in time and space. Various test cases are then illustrated with 2D and 3D semi-realistic heterogeneous configurations.