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 CO2 storage in a saline aquifer when brine saturated with CO2 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 CO2 storage.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Article number | 011003 |
Journal | Physical Review E - Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics |
Volume | 87 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 31 2013 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
- Statistics and Probability
- Condensed Matter Physics