<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"><mml:msub><mml:mrow><mml:mi>CO</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mn>2</mml:mn></mml:msub></mml:math> convective dissolution in a three-dimensional granular porous medium: An experimental study

Abstract

In the context of CO${}_{2}$ geological storage in deep saline aquifers, convective dissolution in porous media has been the subject of theory and numerical studies at the Darcy scale. By using both refractive index matching and planar laser induced fluorescence, we measure the onset characteristics (growth rate, wavelength, and flux) of the convective dissolution instability in a three-dimensional granular porous medium located below a gas compartment. The obtained results show large discrepancies with theoretical predictions based on Darcy scale models but are demonstrated to be consistent with a forcing of convection by porosity fluctuations, recently described in a theoretical model.

Topics & Concepts