Dispersion in Porous Media — Lesson 1

This lesson covers the concept of flow through porous media, focusing on miscible displacement and the dispersion of solute or tracer in the porous media. It explains how a step change in concentration at the inlet affects the mixing and outlet concentration when the flow is constant. The lesson also introduces the governing equation for a static system and how it changes for a flow process. It further discusses the concept of Taylor dispersion, the role of the dispersion coefficient, and the impact of velocity profiles on the dispersion process. The lesson concludes with an explanation of how to interpret concentration profiles to understand the quality of a porous medium.

Video Highlights

00:57 - Discussion on the dispersion of solute in porous media
04:32 - Impact of velocity profiles on the dispersion process
23:28 - Interpretation of concentration profiles and understanding the quality of a porous medium

Key Takeaways

- Miscible displacement refers to the process where a step change in concentration at the inlet affects the mixing and outlet concentration when the flow is constant.
- The dispersion of solute in porous media is governed by an equation that changes based on whether the system is static or flowing.
- Taylor dispersion is a key concept in understanding the flow through porous media, with the dispersion coefficient playing a crucial role.
- The velocity profiles significantly impact the dispersion process, with different profiles leading to different dispersion outcomes.
- Concentration profiles can be interpreted to understand the quality of a porous medium, including its homogeneity and the extent of mixing.