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A colorimetric reaction to quantify fluid mixing

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Abstract

We found the colorimetric reaction of Tiron (1,2-dihydroxybenzene-3,5-disulfonic acid) and molybdate suitable for optical quantification of chemical reaction during fluid–fluid mixing in laboratory chambers. This reaction consists of two colorless reagents that mix to rapidly form colored, stable, soluble products. These products can be digitally imaged and quantified using light absorbance to study fluid–fluid mixing. Here we provide a model and equilibrium constants for the relevant complexation reactions. We also provide methods for relating light absorbance to product concentrations. Practical implementation issues of this reaction are discussed and an example of imaged absorbances for fluid–fluid mixing in heterogeneous porous media is given.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Claudius Freiherr Von Schwerin and Lucy Meigs from Sandia National Labortories Visual Flow Lab, and Phil Gschwend for his helpful conversation. Funding: NSF and EPA STAR graduate research fellowship. The experiments performed in this paper comply with the current laws of the United States of America.

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  1. Ralph M. Parsons Laboratory, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA

    Peter M. Oates & Charles F. Harvey

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  1. Peter M. Oates
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  2. Charles F. Harvey
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Correspondence to Peter M. Oates.

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Oates, P.M., Harvey, C.F. A colorimetric reaction to quantify fluid mixing. Exp Fluids 41, 673–683 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-006-0184-z

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