Review: Pre-Darcy flows in low-permeability porous media

Teng, Yuntian; Li, Zihao; Chen, Cheng

doi:10.1007/s10040-024-02853-4

Review: Pre-Darcy flows in low-permeability porous media

Journal Article · Sat Nov 23 00:00:00 EST 2024 · Hydrogeology Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-024-02853-4· OSTI ID:2526616

Teng, Yuntian ^[1]; Li, Zihao ^[2]; ^[1]

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ (United States)
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

The widely used Darcy’s law specifies a linear relation between the Darcy velocity of fluid flow and the pressure gradient that drives the flow. However, studies have shown that Darcy velocity can exhibit a nonlinear dependence on the pressure gradient in low-permeability porous media such as clay and shale when the pressure gradient is adequately low. This phenomenon is referred to as low-velocity non-Darcian flow or pre-Darcy flow. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the theories, experimental data, and modeling methods for pre-Darcy flow in low-permeability porous media. The review begins by outlining the fundamental mechanisms underlying pre-Darcy flow that regulate the unique characteristics such as nonlinear dependence of the Darcy velocity on the pressure gradient and its relevance to fluid–rock interactions. The review then proceeds to present a thorough compilation of experimental investigations performed in various low-permeability geomaterials including tight sandstones, shales, and clays. Next, empirical and theoretical models and simulation methods that have been developed to fit and interpret experimental data are reviewed. Finally, the review underscores the challenges encountered in conducting and interpreting pre-Darcy flow experiments and suggests future research directions. By analyzing previous experimental investigations, this review aims to offer a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners seeking to enhance their understanding of fluid dynamics in low-permeability geomaterials. This provides insights into the application of pre-Darcy flow in numerous natural and engineered processes such as shale oil and gas recovery, contaminant transport in low-permeability aquifers, and geological disposal of nuclear waste.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE), Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-76RL01830; NE0009160

OSTI ID:: 2526616

Report Number(s):: PNNL-SA--193664

Journal Information:: Hydrogeology Journal, Journal Name: Hydrogeology Journal Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 32; ISSN 1431-2174

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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58 GEOSCIENCES
Laboratory experiments/measurements
Low-permeability media
Porous media
Pre-Darcy flow
Threshold pressure gradient
non-Darcian flow

Review: Pre-Darcy flows in low-permeability porous media

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