Investigation of Coupled Processes in Fractures and the Bordering Matrix via a Micro‐Continuum Reactive Transport Model

Journal Article · 27 January 2022 · Water Resources Research

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021WR030578 · OSTI ID:1842545

Zhang, Qian ^[1]; Deng, Hang  ^[2]; Dong, Yanhui  ^[3]; Molins, Sergi  ^[2]; Li, Xiao ^[3]; Steefel, Carl  ^[2]

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1. Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering Institute of Geology and Geophysics Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China, Innovation Academy for Earth Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China, Energy Geosciences Division Earth and Environmental Sciences Area Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA USA
2. Energy Geosciences Division Earth and Environmental Sciences Area Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA USA
3. Key Laboratory of Shale Gas and Geoengineering Institute of Geology and Geophysics Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China, Innovation Academy for Earth Science Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China

Abstract In multi‐mineral fractured rocks, the altered porous layer on the fracture surface resulting from preferential dissolution of the fast‐reacting minerals can have profound impacts on subsequent chemical‐physical alteration of the fractures. This study adopts the micro‐continuum approach to provide further understanding of reactive transport processes in the altered layer (AL), and mass exchanges with the bordering matrix and fracture. The modeling framework couples the Darcy‐Brinkman‐Stokes (DBS) solver in COMSOL Multiphysics and the geochemical modeling capability of CrunchFlow. Three‐dimensional steady state simulations with systematically varied chemical‐physical parameters of the AL were performed to examine the impacts of individual factors and processes. Our simulation results confirm previous observations that dissolution of the fast‐reacting mineral (i.e., calcite) is largely controlled by diffusion across the AL. We also show that dissolution of the slow‐reacting mineral (i.e., dolomite), which controls AL development and fracture enlargement, increases with surface area and has a complex dependence on different local rate‐limiting processes. In particular, advection can result in evident spatial variations in the local dissolution rates of dolomite, although it does not affect the bulk chemistry significantly. The difference in the spatial patterns between simulations with and without advection in the AL is more noticeable in the locations with smaller apertures, with up to 20% difference in local reaction rates. Therefore, it is important to include a full depiction of advection, diffusion, and reactions for accurately capturing local dynamics that control long‐term fracture evolution.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); National Major Science and Technology Projects of China; Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific and Expedition Research Program; USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 1842545
• Journal Information: Water Resources Research, Journal Name: Water Resources Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 58; ISSN 0043-1397
• Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English