The effect of convective dissolution and reaction on flow in porous media is investigated to develop our understanding of geological storage of carbon dioxide. The flow of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers is modelled under standard laboratory conditions using an analogue experimental system. The density difference between the solute and surrounding fluid creates convective instability and we show how this instability can be enhanced by chemical reaction. Our findings suggest that it may therefore be possible to engineer reactions to maximise the storage capacity of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers.
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