Time-dependent velocities in porous media dispersive flow

Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo (PGSE) NMR methods may be used to measure the asymptotic dispersion coefficient as well as the velocity autocorrelation function (VACF) in porous media flow. The VACF can be measured in the frequency domain using repetitive gradient pulse trains, and in the time domain using double PGSE encoding. The one dimensional double PGSE method, and the two dimensional velocity exchange experiment (VEXSY) are briefly outlined and their application to flow in monodisperse 0.5 mm diameter beads packs described, both axial and transverse VACFs being examined. The measured correlation times are shown to agree well with calculated values. The asymptotic dispersion coefficients agree with literature Values in the case of transverse flow while in axial flow it is shown that asymptotic conditions are not achieved, even for observation times longer than the correlation time for flow around a bead. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.