Stability of moving surfaces in fluid systems with heat and mass transport III. Stability of displacement fronts in porous media

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Abstract
Two effects not considered in previous work can significantly influence stability of moving displacement fronts in porous media. They are transport near the front and expansion or contraction accompanying phase change or chemical reaction at the front. It is shown that both effects act to stabilize a moving front at which steam condenses and displaces water. Available experimental data confirm that such a front is more stable than would be expected based on previous work. The effects should be important in steam drive and underground combustion processes for improving oil recovery and in processes involving moving reaction fronts in packed beds.