Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomenon

Flow and dispersion in porous media: Lattice-Boltzmann and NMR studies

  1. B. Manz1,
  2. L. F. Gladden1,*,
  3. P. B. Warren2,†

Article first published online: 16 APR 2004

DOI: 10.1002/aic.690450902

Issue

AIChE Journal

AIChE Journal

Volume 45, Issue 9, pages 1845–1854, September 1999

Additional Information

How to Cite

Manz, B., Gladden, L. F. and Warren, P. B. (1999), Flow and dispersion in porous media: Lattice-Boltzmann and NMR studies. AIChE J., 45: 1845–1854. doi: 10.1002/aic.690450902

Author Information

  1. 1

    Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, U.K.

  2. 2

    Unilever Research Port Sunlight Laboratory, Bebington, Wirral L63 3JW, U.K.

  1. †

    Unilever Research Port Sunlight Laboratory, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral L63 3JW, U.K.

*Dept. of Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3RA, U.K.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 16 APR 2004
  2. Article first published online: 16 APR 2004
  3. Manuscript Revised: 8 APR 1999
  4. Manuscript Received: 5 NOV 1998

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Abstract

The results of lattice-Boltzmann simulations of the flow field through a random packing of spheres are compared with NMR velocimetry and propagator measurements. Flows are investigated for Péclet (Pe) and Reynolds (Re) numbers in the range 182<Pe<350 and 0.4<Re<0.77, respectively. An MRI visualization of the 3-D packing of spheres for which NMR data are obtained is used as the matrix for the simulation, thereby enabling a direct assessment of the ability of the lattice-Boltzmann method to quantitatively predict flow phenomena within porous media of complex geometry. By introducing normalized parameters, hydrodynamical dispersion over normalized displacement lengthscales extending over nearly four orders of magnitude is investigated and is shown to be dominated by mechanical dispersion over most of this range. At the largest lengthscales studied holdup may play a significant role in the hydrodynamics characteristic of the porous medium. Quantitative agreement between NMR measurements and the predictions of the lattice-Boltzmann simulation is obtained in all cases.

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