Dispersion tensor in a two-phase flow in a slit

Abstract

Taylor's approach on the dispersion phenomenon is generalized for solute transport in a two-phase laminar flow of immiscible fluids in a slit. The reduced-order models for solute transport are derived using Reynolds decomposition and averaging techniques from which the exact analytical expressions for all elements of the dispersion tensor and the matrix of coefficients of the advection term are derived. It is shown that the dispersion tensor is generally not symmetric, and the asymmetry originates from the presence of an interface between the two fluids. We also discussed conditions at which the solute transport in a two-phase laminar flow in a slit lead to dispersion barrier, osmotic dispersion, and reverse dispersion. The results provide a thorough insight into modeling solute transport across an interface/film in two-phase stratified flows and find applications in the design and optimization of microfluidic devices where two fluids flow in laminar contact.