Abstract
We experimentally examine dissolution-generated, density-driven convection with an inclined boundary in both a Hele-Shaw cell and in a porous medium. The convection, manifested by descending, dense fingers, is generated by a diffusive mixing of two liquids at the interface. We investigate the dynamics, widths, and wavelengths of the fingers and characterize the global convective transport for a wide range of permeabilities and tilt angles of the boundaries. Our results have implications for CO storage in a saline aquifer when brine saturated with CO produces a heavier mixture, which may result in an enhanced mass transfer by convection. Our measurements reveal a further enhancement of convection with inclined boundaries, which suggests that sloping formations provide improved sites for CO storage.
- Received 22 April 2012
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.87.011003
©2013 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Convection Speeds Up on a Slant
Published 31 January 2013
Convective mixing of fluids goes faster when the container is tilted—a finding that may impact the choosing of geological sites for carbon dioxide storage.
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