Feasibility of Ultrasonic Enhancement of Flow in Clayey Sands

Abstract

In this technical note, results are presented from a series of laboratory experiments involving the enhancement of hydraulic conductivity of clayey sands using ultrasonic excitation. An increase in hydraulic conductivity was observed in all the tests with a maximum being reached after about 8 to 10 min of excitation. Grain‐size distribution anlayses of the soils conducted before and after ultrasonic treatment indicated that particles smaller than 0.04 mm were mobilized by ultrasonics, and that particles in the size range of 0.04 mm to 1 mm were subjected to fracturing. Some practical implications of these results are discussed in terms of technical and economic feasibility of in situ implementation of ultrasonics.