Evaporation-driven growth of large crystallized salt structures in a porous medium

N. Sghaier, S. Geoffroy, M. Prat, H. Eloukabi, and S. Ben Nasrallah
Phys. Rev. E 90, 042402 – Published 14 October 2014

Abstract

Subflorescence refers to crystallized salt structures that form inside a porous medium. We report a drying experiment revealing major development of subflorescence in the dry region of the porous medium away from the liquid zone. Using a combination of image analyses and numerical computations, we show that the growth is directly correlated to the evaporation flux distribution along the boundary of the growing salt structure. This indicates that the salt is transported into the domain occupied by the salt structure in the porous medium up to the structure periphery, where salt deposition takes place. This is confirmed when a growing salt structure encounters dry subflorescence formed earlier during the drying process. The dry subflorescence is reimbibed and resumes its growth. The analysis also suggests that the solution within the growing subflorescence is in equilibrium with the crystallized salt wall. These results shed light on the growth mechanisms of subflorescence, a phenomenon that can play a fundamental role in several important issues such as carbon dioxide sequestration or salt weathering.

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Received 9 February 2013
  • Revised 15 July 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.90.042402

©2014 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

N. Sghaier1, S. Geoffroy2, M. Prat3,*, H. Eloukabi1, and S. Ben Nasrallah1

  • 1Laboratoire d'Etudes des Systèmes Thermiques et Energétiques de Monastir, Tunisia
  • 2Université de Toulouse, UPS, INSA, LMDC (Laboratoire Matériaux et Durabilité des Constructions), 135, Avenue de Rangueil, F-31077 Toulouse Cedex 04, France
  • 3Université de Toulouse, INPT, UPS, IMFT, Avenue Camille Soula, F-31400 Toulouse, France and CNRS, IMFT, F-31400 Toulouse, France

  • *Corresponding author: mprat@imft.fr

Article Text (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 90, Iss. 4 — October 2014

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review E

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×