Dynamic fluid connectivity during steady-state multiphase flow in a sandstone
File(s)Reynolds-PNAS-14May2017_combined.pdf (18.05 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Reynolds, CA
Menke, H
Andrew, M
Blunt, MJ
Krevor, S
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The current conceptual picture of steady-state multiphase Darcy flow in porous media is that the fluid phases organize into separate flow pathways with stable interfaces. Here we demonstrate a previously unobserved type of steady-state flow behavior, which we term “dynamic connectivity,” using fast pore-scale X-ray imaging. We image the flow of N2 and brine through a permeable sandstone at subsurface reservoir conditions, and low capillary numbers, and at constant fluid saturation. At any instant, the network of pores filled with the nonwetting phase is not necessarily connected. Flow occurs along pathways that periodically reconnect, like cars controlled by traffic lights. This behavior is consistent with an energy balance, where some of the energy of the injected fluids is sporadically converted to create new interfaces.
Date Issued
2017-08-01
Date Acceptance
2017-06-21
Citation
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2017, 114 (31), pp.8187-8192
ISSN
0027-8424
Publisher
National Academy of Sciences
Start Page
8187
End Page
8192
Journal / Book Title
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume
114
Issue
31
Copyright Statement
© 2017 National Academy of Sciences. All Rights Reserved.
Sponsor
Qatar Shell Research and Technology Center QSTP LLC
Qatar Petroleum
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (E
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000406653300039&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
490000724
N/A
ERI 023708/EP/K000446/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Science & Technology - Other Topics
steady state
pore-scale imaging
immiscible two-phase flow
dynamic connectivity
geologic CO2 storage
POROUS-MEDIA
CARBON-DIOXIDE
2-PHASE FLOW
MICRO-CT
WATER
NITROGEN
IMAGE
METHANE
SYSTEMS
FORCES
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2017-07-17