In-Situ Pore-Scale Measurement of Multi-Fluid Distributions, Configurations, and Mobilization in Multiphase Porous Media Systems
EMSL Project ID
44728
Abstract
Multi-fluid flow and contaminant fate and transport in the environment are controlled at a fundamental level by pore-scale properties such as immiscible-fluid distribution and morphology. Though several indirect methods exist to measure these properties, they are typically not easy to measure directly. High-resolution computer-assisted X-ray micro-tomography has been proven to allow for direct, non-destructive measurements of fluid distributions and fluid-fluid interfacial areas at the pore scale for a variety of porous media. We will use this method to obtain three-dimensional images of the pore structure, water, organic-immiscible liquid, air, and of the fluid-fluid interfaces. Data sets obtained using state-of-the-art imaging methods provide the opportunity to significantly enhance the knowledge-base. This project will aim to fill several fundamental gaps in our current understanding of pore-scale fluid behavior in multiple-fluid-phase porous media systems. These include (a) the relationship between immiscible liquid behavior and physical properties of the pore network, (b) the distinction between capillary-associated and film-associated interfacial area, and (c) a detailed, mechanistic examination of mass-transfer behavior. One primary objective proposed herein is to examine the impact of immiscible fluid displacement on the pore-scale configuration of immiscible liquids in various combinations of 2 and 3 fluid-phase systems (air, organic liquid, and water) comprising natural porous media. We plan to evaluate the impact of injection of each fluid on the interfacial areas, and to evaluate the changes in multi-fluid configurations during mobilization of each of the phases. These changes in multi-fluid configuration and morphology will be correlated to changes in interfacial areas, which control heat and mass transfer processes. Chemical agents have been proposed for the enhancement of the dissolution and mobilization of trapped organic liquids in groundwater aquifers for remediation purposes. Another objective of this investigation is to understand the impact of enhanced solubilization reagents on organic-liquid distribution and morphology. This investigation will illustrate/quantify the malleable nature of fluid configuration under dynamic, multiphase flow conditions. Observation of multi-fluid configurations will be used to compare changes in morphology and interfacial area to improve our understanding of multiphase fluid distribution and mobilization behavior. Improved quantification of multifluid configuration and mobility will be incorporated into numerical simulators (i.e., STOMP and pore-scale CFD models).
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2011-10-01
End Date
2012-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Co-Investigator(s)
Team Members
Related Publications
Carroll K C,McDonald K ,Marble J ,Russo A ,Brusseau M 2015. "The Impact of Transitions Between Two-fluid and Three-fluid Phases on Fluid Configuration and Fluid-fluid Interfacial Area in Porous Media" Water Resources Research 51():7189–7201. 10.1002/2015WR017490
McDonald K ,Carroll K C,Brusseau M 2016. "Comparison of Fluid-fluid Interfacial Areas Measured with X-ray Microtomography and Interfacial Partitioning Tracer Tests for the Same Samples" Water Resources Research 52():. 10.1002/2016WR018775