Advanced theories of two-phase flow in porous media

Abstract

Fluid-filled porous media are ubiquitous in many natural and industrial systems. The working of these systems is controlled and/or affected by the movement of fluids, solutes, particles, and heat through them. Examples of natural porous media and corresponding processes are the flow of oil, gas, and water in oil reservoirs; the potential mobilization of methane in gas hydrates; the flow of nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in contaminated aquifers; the storage of CO2, nuclear waste, other hazardous wastes, and heat in the subsurface; the flow of fluids in biological tissues; and melting and metamorphism of snow. Examples of industrial porous media and corresponding processes are the drying of paper pulp, the adsorption of liquids in diapers and similar absorbing products, gas and water management in fuel cells, and the drying of foods, building materials, detergent tablets, and filters.