Pore‐scale processes that control dispersion of colloids in saturated porous media

摘要: [1] Colloidal dispersion in porous media is a consequence of the different paths and velocities experienced by colloids. We examined at pore scale effect particle size on colloid using water-saturated micromodels. The micromodels were produced with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), soft photolithography technique that allows creating transparent patterns have dimensions range those existing space. Four sizes colloids transported several total pressure differences, image analysis was used to determine trajectories, residence times, coefficients through magnitude any given flow rate found be controlled pore-space geometry relative regards channels. Dispersion coefficient dispersivity decrease increasing size. Dispersivity thus not just function but depends characteristics. Because their size, larger travel center streamlines, leading faster velocities, less detours, lower transit times. These findings emphasize role colloidal significant implications for predicting movement saturated media.