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Laboratory simulation of geogas microbubble flow

Journal Article · · Environmental Geology and Water Sciences

Preliminary laboratory tests provided first data on the behavior of gas microbubbles through porous media in the framework of the geogas theory. Under experimented conditions with laboratory equipment arranged for pressure controlled gas-tracer injection and sampling, gas microbubbles moved up to ten times faster than single-phase flow in dry media under the same injection pressure. Microbubbles were determined to be very sensitive to changes in injection pressure and their terminal velocity seems to be described with good approximation by the Stokes formula. The capability of microbubbles to pick up and transport upward for short distances solid ultra-small particles (metallic and radionuclide compounds) has been proved. Results are consistent with a time-dependent process linked to the transport properties of microbubbles (e.g., flotation), such as that reported by some authors. 32 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.

OSTI ID:
457018
Journal Information:
Environmental Geology and Water Sciences, Journal Name: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 27; ISSN EGWSEI; ISSN 0177-5146
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English