Pore-filling events in single junction micro-models with corresponding lattice Boltzmann simulations
OA Location
Author(s)
Zacharoudiou, I
Chapman, E
Boek, E
Crawshaw, J
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The aim of this work is to better understand fluid displacement mechanisms at the pore scale in relation to capillary-filling rules. Using specifically designed micro-models we investigate the role of pore body shape on fluid displacement during drainage and imbibition via quasi-static and spontaneous experiments at ambient conditions. The experimental results are directly compared to lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulations. The critical pore-filling pressures for the quasi-static experiments agree well with those predicted by the Young–Laplace equation and follow the expected filling events. However, the spontaneous imbibition experimental results differ from those predicted by the Young–Laplace equation; instead of entering the narrowest available downstream throat the wetting phase enters an adjacent throat first. Thus, pore geometry plays a vital role as it becomes the main deciding factor in the displacement pathways. Current pore network models used to predict displacement at the field scale may need to be revised as they currently use the filling rules proposed by Lenormand et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 135, 1983, pp. 337–353). Energy balance arguments are particularly insightful in understanding the aspects affecting capillary-filling rules. Moreover, simulation results on spontaneous imbibition, in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions, reveal that the capillary number itself is not sufficient to characterise the two phase flow. The Ohnesorge number, which gives the relative importance of viscous forces over inertial and capillary forces, is required to fully describe the fluid flow, along with the viscosity ratio.
Date Issued
2017-07-06
Date Acceptance
2017-05-19
Citation
Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 2017, 824, pp.550-573
ISSN
0022-1120
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Start Page
550
End Page
573
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Fluid Mechanics
Volume
824
Copyright Statement
© 2017 Cambridge University Press
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
License URL
Sponsor
Qatar Shell Research and Technology Center QSTP LLC
Grant Number
490000724
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Physical Sciences
Mechanics
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Physics
capillary flows
interfacial flows (free surface)
porous media
CAPILLARY-DRIVEN FLOW
POROUS-MEDIA
SPONTANEOUS IMBIBITION
INTERFACE DYNAMICS
2-PHASE FLOW
RISE
WETTABILITY
NETWORK
LIQUID
FLUID
01 Mathematical Sciences
09 Engineering
Fluids & Plasmas
Publication Status
Published