1. Classification and characterization of porous media

1.1 Classification

The solid matrix of a porous medium can be :

• unconsolidated; the solid phase is made up of grains or fibers that are not welded together (gravel, sand, silt, glass and steel beads, various materials, etc.); glass beads are used extensively in the laboratory to study transfer phenomena in porous media;

• consolidated; in this case, the compact solid matrix cannot divide into grains or fibers (limestone, sandstone, clay, wood, ceramics,...