Abstract
Micromodels with simplified porous microfluidic systems are widely used to mimic the underground oil‐reservoir environment for multiphase flow studies, enhanced oil recovery, and reservoir network mapping. However, previous micromodels cannot replicate the length scales and geochemistry of carbonate because of their material limitations. Here a simple method is introduced to create calcium carbonate (CaCO3) micromodels composed of in situ grown CaCO3. CaCO3 nanoparticles/polymer composite microstructures are built in microfluidic channels by photopatterning, and CaCO3 nanoparticles are selectively grown in situ from these microstructures by supplying Ca2+, CO32− ions rich, supersaturated solutions. This approach enables us to fabricate synthetic CaCO3 reservoir micromodels having dynamically tunable geometries with submicrometer pore‐length scales and controlled wettability. Using this new method, acid fracturing and an immiscible fluid displacement process are demonstrated used in real oil field applications to visualize pore‐scale fluid–carbonate interactions in real time.
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.
