Investigation of the magnetic fluid mass transfer in porous media

G. Kroņkalns - M. M. Maiorov

Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, 32 Miera street, LV-2169 Salaspils, Latvia

Abstract
Variety of physical effects of the mass transfer process in porous media can be described by the equations of irreversible thermodynamics. It is possible to employ the Onsagers assumption of linear dependence of the mass flow on corresponding thermodynamic force gradients at small deviation from the equilibrium state. Some phenomenological laws exist, which linearly describe the irreversible physical processes. If two or more of these phenomena take place simultaneously, they overlay and the cross effects can take place. By substituting the dissolved substance molecule mass by the mass of a colloidal particle it is possible to describe the transfer processes by equations derived from kinetic theory. The magnetic fluid is identified as a binary solution and the thermodynamics of irreversible processes is employed to describe the mass transfer processes of a two-component system in porous media in this investigation. Figs 3, Refs 5.