FLUID FLOW CONTROL IN POROUS MEDIA WITH CONSIDERATION OF ELECTROKINETIC EFFECTS

Abstract

The paper presents results of the research on the influence of electrokinetic characteristics of fluids on its flow in porous media. Experimental studies have shown the effect of fluid slippage in the channels of porous media due to the electrically charged boundary "liquid-porous medium". It is shown that the change of flow velocity profile and pressure gradient is caused by the display of electrokinetic effects in the filtration of polar liquids.The investigation has shown that the process of the electrolyte solutions filtration in a porous medium is accompanied by the change in the liquid flow rate and the electro-potential of the flow. The periodic nature of changes in flow characteristics is explained by continuous charge formation and charge interaction in the diffuse layer. Periodic charge accumulation and subsequent charge transfer across the channel cross section depending on the charge sign acquired, as well as compression of the diffuse layer with increasing NaCl electrolyte concentration in aqueous solution may be the cause of fluid flow variations. The observed effects may serve as a tool for controlling fluid flow in water-oil-saturated formations and, in particular, injectivity of injection wells by controlling electrical conductivity of water injected into the formation.