Pore-scale investigation of two-phase flow using micro particle image velocimetry

Abstract:

Utilizing a two phase, two fields of view (FOV) Micro Particle Image Velocimetry (uPIV) system, simultaneous flow of oil and water in PDMS and glass porous systems are studied. We use glass and PDMS micromodels that are water- and oil-wet, respectively. They allow the study the effect of wettability on the flow. The velocity field of each phase is resolved in real-time and space using two high speed 4 MP cameras and a high repetition dual-head laser for small FOV and two 29 MP cameras and a low repetition dual-head powerful laser for the large FOV. Small FOV part of the system is used to investigate details of the flow at the pore scale and the interactions between the fluids and the medium. The large FOV is used to resolve the velocity over the entire micromodel.

High-resolution micro-CT images of Bentheimer sandstone are used to construct two-dimensional. Single- and two-phase flow experiments are performed in these models. In the two-phase flow tests, imbibition and drainage experiments are carried out to obtain capillary pressure-saturation curves for different flow combinations. The velocity fields are resolved during each imbibition and drainage test and the effect of saturation of each phase on the velocity field is shown.