Vuataz, François

2005, André, Laurent, Vuataz, François

2004, Vuataz, François, Rabemanana, Vero, André, Laurent

2003, Rabemanana, Vero, Vuataz, François

2001, Kennedy, Keith, Schurch, Marc, Muller, Imre, Vuataz, François, Seiler, Klaus-Peter, Wohnlich, Stefan

Migration conditions in a gravel aquifer of the upper Rhone River valley were studied using particle and solutes as contaminant surrogates. Transport rates were 130 to 480 m/d over distances to 22 in, up to 40 times faster than predicted using conventional flow/effective porosity parameters. In one well, a 1-m vertical pathway heterogeneity dominated the 12-m aquifer saturated thickness. Biocolloids were consistently detected earlier than solutes due in part to their significantly lower detection limits and possibly to preferential particle advection. Biocolloid detection occurred 3- to 7-times earlier than time to solute breakthrough peaks, those values commonly relied on when calculating reference velocity parameters. Relative colloid recovery was typically 1.5 to 4 percent and in one case was 72 % of the solute illustrating relatively low biocolloid attenuation in river gravel macropores. Transport direction was up to 90 degrees off those determined from head-derived measurements. Results suggest that reliable groundwater protection strategy in heterogeneous gravel aquifers may improve when field-verified with migration characterization using multiple tracer types.

2005, Rabemanana, Vero, Vuataz, François, Kohl, Thomas, André, Laurent

2003, Muralt, Reto, Vuataz, François

2003, Vuataz, François, Gorhan, Harald L, Geissmann, Marcus

In 2001, a 10-year programme called "SwissEnergy" was initiated by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, mainly devoted to a more efficient use of energy, with specific tasks such as energy saving, reduction Of CO2 emissions and a definitive increase in the contribution of renewable energies. The Swiss Geothermal Society (SGS) was therefore given a mandate to promote the application of geothermal energy at a national level. The main objectives of their programme are to develop a sound image for geothermal energy in general, to disseminate information on the various technologies already in use all over the country and to illustrate the future potential of this sector. All entities involved in the energy sector are to be called on to collaborate in the programme, including the Federal Office of Energy, local utility companies and energy agencies, as well as the various networks present in the field of renewable energy (geothermal, sun, wind and biomass). The programme covers all the geothermal resources and technologies available in Switzerland, such as borehole heat exchangers, groundwater wells, foundation piles, thermal springs, deep aquifers and warm tunnel drainage waters. The programme is organised into five activity modules, i.e. Information, Basic and continuous education, Marketing, Quality insurance, and Consulting services. Three Regional Promotion Centres (RPC) have also been set up in the three linguistic regions of Switzerland, one in the German-speaking region, one in the French-speaking region and one in the Italian-speaking region. The staff consists of 13 part-time experts. The strong interest and favourable reception given to all aspects of the Swiss geothermal promotion programme during its first 2 years of activity have confirmed how important it is to disseminate information on energy matters. (C) 2003 CNR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

2005, André, Laurent, Rabemanana, Vero, Vuataz, François

2003, Vuataz, François, Rossi, P, Lettry, Y, Tanguy, E

2001, Durst, Pierre, Vuataz, François