Acoustically enhanced ganglia dissolution and mobilization in a monolayer of glass beads

Abstract

A pore network consisting of a monolayer of glass beads was constructed for experimental investigation of the effects of acoustic waves on the dissolution and mobilization of perchloroethylene (PCE) ganglia. Dissolution experiments were conducted with acoustic wave frequencies ranging from 75 to 225 Hz at a constant pressure amplitude of 3.68 kPa applied to the inlet of the monolayer. Ganglia mobilization experiments were conducted with a constant acoustic wave frequency of 125 Hz and acoustic pressure amplitudes ranging from 0 to 39.07 kPa. Effluent dissolved PCE concentrations were observed to increase in the presence of acoustic waves with the greatest increase (over 300%) occurring at the lowest frequency employed (75 Hz). Acoustic waves were also observed to mobilize otherwise immobile PCE ganglia, break them apart, and further enhance dissolution.