Summary
Fluid-flow-driven particle migration through porous networks reflects the
interplay between various particle-level forces, the relative size between
migrating particles and pore constrictions, and the spatial variability of the
velocity field. Experimental evidence shows that particle migration in radial
fluid flow results in self-stabilizing annular clogging patterns when the
particle size approaches the constriction size. Conversely, flow localization
and flushing instability are observed when the particle size is significantly
smaller than the pore-throat size.
Introduction
Fluid flow through a porous network is often accompanied by the migration of
fine particles. This is a common phenomenon in geomaterials (Gruesbeck and
Collins, 1982; Ryan and Elimelech 1996), filters (Kenney et al. 1985; Bigno et
al. 1994; Bhatia et al. 1998; Reddi et al. 2000), and biological systems
(Bonala and Reddi 1998). In certain conditions, massive particle clogging
develops, reducing the medium’s fluid-transport capacity and thus decreasing
productivity (Muecke 1979; Priisholm et al. 1987; Khilar and Fogler
1998). In other cases, particles are flushed out of the medium, yielding
an increased fluid conductivity (Kenney and Lau 1985; Skempton and Brogan
1994).
In this study, particle migration and retention are analyzed at the
microscale to identify governing particle-level phenomena, with emphasis on
mechanical processes rather than electrical interactions, which have been
analyzed by previous researchers (e.g., Jones 1964; Cerda 1987; Kia et al.
1987; Sharma and Yortsos 1987; Vaidya and Fogler 1990; Raveendran and
Amirtharajah 1995). At the macroscale, clogging and flushing patterns are
investigated in radial flow, where the fluid velocity and the forces
experienced by migratory particles vary in space.
© 2006. Society of Petroleum Engineers
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History
- Original manuscript received:
12 April 2004
- Revised manuscript received:
23 August 2005
- Manuscript approved:
1 September 2005
- Version of record:
20 June 2006
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