Abstract
A numerical model was developed to investigate the influence of gravitational force on the transport of colloids in a single horizontal fracture–matrix system. Along with major transport phenomena, prominence was given to study the mass flux at the fracture–matrix interface, and colloid penetration within the rock matrix. Results suggest that the gravitational force significantly alters and controls the velocity of colloids in the fracture. Further, it was shown that the colloid density and size play a vital part in determining the extent that gravity may influence the transport of colloids in both fracture and rock matrix. The mass flux transfer across the fracture–matrix interface is predominantly dependent on the colloidal size. As large as 80% reduction in penetration of colloids in the rock matrix was observed when the size of the colloid was increased from 50–600 nm. Similarly, the farther the density of colloid from that of the fluid in the fracture (water), then the higher the mitigation of colloids in the fracture and the rock matrix. Finally, a non-dimensional parameter “Rock Saturation Factor” has been presented in the present study, which can offer a straightforward approach for evaluating the extent of penetration of colloids within the rock matrix.
Highlights
Colloids are an integral part of fractured porous media
In the present numerical experiment, forces such as lift, drag, electric double layer, and van der Waals forces acting on colloids are neglected, and the principal objective is to understand the influence of the gravitational force on the stability, and the transport of the colloids in the fractured matrix-system
Apart from the analysis of major transport phenomena, prominence is given to analyzing the mass flux transfer at the fracture–matrix interface, and the diffusive transport in the porous rock matrix when gravitational force, different colloid size and density are taken into consideration
Summary
Colloids are an integral part of fractured porous media. Studies [1,2] have established that colloids act as carriers, and enhance the migration of contaminants, which have leached into the subsurface water system, thereby, enhancing their sweep through the system. In the present numerical experiment, forces such as lift, drag, electric double layer, and van der Waals forces acting on colloids are neglected, and the principal objective is to understand the influence of the gravitational force on the stability, and the transport of the colloids in the fractured matrix-system. The current knowledge and the methods used in understanding the influence of the gravitational force on the stability are inadequate to accurately predict the colloid migration in fractured porous media under the influence of gravity. Apart from the analysis of major transport phenomena, prominence is given to analyzing the mass flux transfer at the fracture–matrix interface, and the diffusive transport in the porous rock matrix when gravitational force, different colloid size and density are taken into consideration. Saturation Factor) has been developed as a simple approach for evaluating the extent of penetration of colloids within the rock matrix
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