Abstract
In this study, a novel triple pore network model (T-PNM) is introduced which is composed of a single pore network model (PNM) coupled to fractures and micro-porosities. We use two stages of the watershed segmentation algorithm to extract the required data from semi-real micro-tomography images of porous material and build a structural network composed of three conductive elements: meso-pores, micro-pores, and fractures. Gas and liquid flow are simulated on the extracted networks and the calculated permeabilities are compared with dual pore network models (D-PNM) as well as the analytical solutions. It is found that the processes which are more sensitive to the surface features of material, should be simulated using a T-PNM that considers the effect of micro-porosities on overall process of flow in tight pores. We found that, for gas flow in tight pores where the close contact of gas with the surface of solid walls makes Knudsen diffusion and gas slippage significant, T-PNM provides more accurate solution compared to D-PNM. Within the tested range of operational conditions, we recorded between 10 and 50% relative error in gas permeabilities of carbonate porous rocks if micro-porosities are dismissed in the presence of fractures.
Highlights
1.1 Single Pore Network ModelA pore network model (PNM) is a simplified proxy model to simulate various transport phenomena in porous materials
We describe the porous material preparation and image processing techniques that lead to extracting a PNM consisting of (1) meso-pores, (2) micro-pores which are unresolved in the images, and (3) fractures which have been generated synthetically on the volumetric images of porous carbonated rocks
Steady-state gas flow through the extracted PNMs will be simulated to investigate the effects of micro-porosity presence on the governing flow mechanisms
Summary
A pore network model (PNM) is a simplified proxy model to simulate various transport phenomena in porous materials. Triple PNM j The present model h Liu et al 2017 i Jiang et al 2017 Fractures. A Triple Pore Network Model (T-PNM) for Gas Flow Simulation in. Have been accomplished by researchers to enhance the capability and reliability of PNMs (Baychev et al 2019) to realistically simulate and predict the properties of porous materials (Garboczi 1990; Joekar-Niasar and Hassanizadeh 2012; Xiong et al 2016), from hydraulic permeability (Dong and Blunt 2009) and mass diffusivity (Burganos and Sotirchos 1987; Erfani et al 2019) to electrical (Friedman and Seaton 1998) and thermal conductivities (Plourde and Prat 2003)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
