Abstract
An experimental investigation of scale-dependent dispersion in periodic heterogeneous porous media was conducted. Models with two-, three- and four-layer periodic heterogeneities were constructed to investigate the effect of heterogeneity size on the scale-dependence of dispersion. Longitudinal dispersion coefficients were determined as a function of column length by measuring the breakthrough of a continuous injection of potassium chloride tracer solution. Chloride ion concentration was monitored by recording the millivolt potential of silver/silver chloride electrodes placed at intervals along the length of the column. In all three models, dispersion appeared to be scale dependent up to a distance of approximately 20–30 times the size of the repeated heterogeneity group (hydraulic unit). Because all three models suggested a similar dependence, it was concluded that a medium with periodic heterogeneity may likely be characterized by the scale of its hydraulic unit.
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Irwin, N.C., Botz, M.M. & Greenkorn, R.A. Experimental investigation of characteristic length scale in periodic heterogeneous porous media. Transp Porous Med 25, 235–246 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00135858
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00135858