Numerical Simulation of Haline Convection in Geothermal Reservoirs

Haline-convective flows of two-component fluids inside a porous rock are investigated numerically. Numerical simulations are based on the mathematical model which consists of the continuity, Darcy's and admixture transport equations. In a geothermal reservoir, the constant admixture concentration is held at the upper boundary leading to diffusive admixture transport into the volume. Near the upper boundary, fluid becomes denser and causes haline convection. Porous domains composed of layers at different properties are considered and their influence on haline-convective flows is investigated.