Source Determination for Subsurface Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid (LNAPL) Using Trimethylcyclopentane and Trimethylcyclohexane Isomer Ratios

چکیده مقاله

Ratios of two pairs of cyclic hydrocarbon isomers are developed to link petroleum hydrocarbon pools and residuals in the subsurface to their probable source product. The ratios 1,2,4- trimethylcyclopentane/1,2,3- trimethylcyclopentane, and 1,1,3- trimethylcyclohexane/1,2,4- trimethylcyclohexane are proposed for LNAPL-source correlation because the pairs are present in a wide range of refinery feeds and refined products, they are resistant to aerobic biodegradation, and have similar solubility and volatility. The proposed ratios and other conventional methods are used to evaluate the source of hydrocarbon product encountered in wells at the Shiraz Oil Refinery, Iran.