A pore-scale approach of two-phase flow in granular porous media

Abstract

A pore-scale model is presented for simulating two-phase flow in granular materials. The solid phase is idealized as dense random packings of polydisperse spheres, generated with the discrete element method (DEM). The pore space is conceptualized as a network of pores connected by throats, which is obtained by using regular triangulation. Theoretical formulas for calculating geometrical properties and entry capillary pressure for given pores are developed by extending the Mayer and Stowe-Princen (MS-P) theory of drainage. Such relationships are employed in the network for defining as local invasion criteria, so that the drainage can be represented by the replacement of W-phase when the threshold value is reached. The events of W-phase entrapment are considered during the coupling procedures. This pore-scale model is verified by comparing simulation results with experimental data of quasi-static drainage experiments in a synthetic porous medium. The simulated Pc −Sw curve in primary drainage is in agreement with the experimental one.