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Modelling transport phenomena in porous media by networks consisting of non-uniform capillaries

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7109092
A simplified network model of pore structure of isotropic porous media has been proposed, consisting of a set of cubic component networks that have arbitrary orientations with respect to the direction of the macroscopic flux. Simple equations were derived to calculate the permeability and the formation resistivity factor of and the rate of capillary rise (penetration) in porous media. Predictions of the equations have been compared with measured values of permeabilities, formation factors and rates of capillary rise for fourteen widely different sandstones. The lack of additivity of component network conductivities has been corrected for by using average empirical factors of /sup 1///sub 2/ and 1.7 for the formation factors and permeabilities, respectively. Penetration of a non-wetting phase into various regular 2-D networks with randomly distributed capillary diameters has been studied by computer simulation, and the correspondence between bond percolation probability theory and network penetration has been exploited to find the penetration history in various 3-D networks as well. Using photomicrographic number based pore size distributions of sandstone samples, the calculated number based saturation vs. cumulative pore number fraction curves have been transformed into the corresponding conventional capillary pressure curves of the samples.
OSTI ID:
7109092
Report Number(s):
CONF-761008-144
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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