Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Imaging dynamic water invasion behavior in microfractures based on microfluidics

基于微流控技术的裂隙水侵特征可视化研究

  • Published:
Journal of Central South University Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fluid invasion through fractures is frequently observed in subsurface engineering. To elucidate the microkinetic behavior of fracture fluids, the microfracture structure of coal from the Surat Basin was reconstructed using a 3D morphometric system and stitching algorithm, then the transparent models characterizing the fracture structure were produced using microfluidics, and water invasion in the microfracture model was measured via visualization experiments under various conditions. High flow rate facilitated the invasion of the water phase into the closed channel, improving the efficiency of water invasion in the neutral wetting system. Wettability reversal changed the dominant channel for water invasion in the hydrophobic system. The invasion efficiency in closed and small aperture bypass channels was low. The reduction of effective seepage channels led to the fastest breakthrough time. Higher surface tension and interfacial curvature promoted the hysteresis effect. The reduction of effective seepage channels led to the fastest breakthrough time. The larger surface tension and interfacial curvature make the hysteresis effect more significant. These results will enable a better understanding of the rock-gas-liquid multiphase interaction mechanisms under unsaturated conditions of rocks.

摘要

煤岩裂隙中的流体侵入广泛存在于地下工程中。为明确裂隙中流体的微观动力学行为，利用三维形貌仪获得了苏拉特盆地煤的微米级裂隙，通过Stitching 算法重建完整的裂隙网络结构，并通过微流控技术批量制作表征裂隙结构的透明模型。利用多相流体显微成像系统可视化不同流速、润湿性条件下的流动过程，捕捉水相在微裂隙模型中完整的侵入过程。高流速可以促进水相侵入开度较小的分支通道，气水前缘保持较小的曲率削弱了滞后效应的影响，突破发生后可进一步增强在盲端、封闭结构中的侵入程度，突破后的含水饱和度增长较快。润湿性的转变影响水相侵入过程优势通道的选择，疏水环境中水相侵入突破时间短，较大的表面张力导致滞后效应的影响显著。突破后水相可继续侵入连通通道，但在封闭通道中的入侵率极低。研究成果对岩体非饱和条件下的岩-气-液作用机制具有重要的指导意义。

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. XUE Yi-guo, ZHOU Bing-hua, LI Shu-cai, et al. Deformation rule and mechanical characteristic analysis of subsea tunnel crossing weathered trough [J]. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2021, 114: 103989. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2021.103989.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. CHEN Tian, YAO Qiang-ling, WEI Fei, et al. Effects of water intrusion and loading rate on mechanical properties of and crack propagation in coal-rock combinations [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2017, 24(2): 423–431. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-017-3444-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. GONG Feng-qiang, WANG Yun-liang, LUO Song. Rockburst proneness criteria for rock materials: Review and new insights [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2020, 27(10): 2793–2821. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-020-4511-y.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. FENG Fan, CHEN Shao-jie, WANG Ya-jun, et al. Cracking mechanism and strength criteria evaluation of granite affected by intermediate principal stresses subjected to unloading stress state [J]. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 2021, 143: 104783. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2021.104783.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. FENG Fan, CHEN Shao-jie, WANG Qi, et al. Experimental study on failure characteristics of natural and saturated sandstone under true triaxial unloading and dynamic disturbance condition [J]. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2022, 41(1): 1–14. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  6. ZHANG Lu, WANG Gang, YU Jun-hong, et al. Permeability evolution model and application of dual-porosity and dual-permeability coalbed [J]. Journal of Shandong University of Science and Technology, 2021, 40(1): 33–42. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  7. ZHANG Qi. Hydromechanical modeling of solid deformation and fluid flow in the transversely isotropic fissured rocks [J]. Computers and Geotechnics, 2020, 128: 103812. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2020.103812.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. YASSIN M, DEHGHANPOUR H, WOOD J M, et al. A theory for relative permeability of unconventional rocks with dual-wettability pore network [J]. SPE Journal, 2016, 21: 1970–1980. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2118/178549-PA.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. TAN Yu-ling, PAN Zhe-jun, FENG Xia-ting, et al. Laboratory characterisation of fracture compressibility for coal and shale gas reservoir rocks: A review [J]. International Journal of Coal Geology, 2019, 204: 1–17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coal.2019.01.010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. LI Yang-yang, YAN Hao-dong, ZHANG Shi-chuan, et al. Experimental study on the expansion law and mechanical characteristics of crack propagation in rock with composite defect [J]. Journal of Shandong University of Science and Technology, 2022, 41(2): 42–50. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  11. FU Hong-yuan, JIANG Huang-bin, QIU Xiang, et al. Seepage characteristics of a fractured silty mudstone under different confining pressures and temperatures [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2020, 27(7): 1907–1916. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-020-4419-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. YANG Yong-fei, ZHOU Ying-fang, BLUNT M J, et al. Advances in multiscale numerical and experimental approaches for multiphysics problems in porous media [J]. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(3): 233–238. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2021.03.01.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. XIAO Qian-hua, FANG Fei-fei, WANG Zhi-yuan, et al. Nuclear magnetic resonance simulation experiment for a water drive gas reservoir [J]. Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 2019, 141(11): 1–5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4043636.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. SU You-qiang, GONG Feng-qiang, LUO Song, et al. Experimental study on energy storage and dissipation characteristics of granite under two-dimensional compression with constant confining pressure [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2021, 28(3): 848–865. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-021-4649-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. REN Da-zhong, SUN Wei, HUANG Hai, et al. Determination of microscopic waterflooding characteristics and influence factors in ultra-low permeability sandstone reservoir [J]. Journal of Central South University, 2017, 24(9): 2134–2144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-017-3622-6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. LIU Ri-cheng, JIANG Yu-jing, BO L, et al. Nonlinear seepage behaviors of fluid in fracture networks [J]. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 2016, 37(10): 2817–2824. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  17. JU Yang, LIU Peng, ZHANG Dong-shuang, et al. Prediction of preferential fluid flow in porous structures based on topological network models: Algorithm and experimental validation [J]. Science China Technological Sciences, 2018, 61(8): 1217–1227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-017-9171-x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. MENG Qing-bang, XU Sai, CAI Jian-chao. Microscopic studies of immiscible displacement behavior in interconnected fractures and cavities [J]. Journal of Energy Resources Technology, 2019, 141(9): 1–23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4043136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. WU Wen-bin. Coupled numerical model of hydraulic fracturing and seepage of soft coal based on elastoplastic damage [J]. Journal of Shandong University of Science and Technology, 2021, 40(5): 69–76. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  20. ZHANG Qi, YAN Xia, LI Zi-hao. A mathematical framework for multiphase poromechanics in multiple porosity media [J]. Computers and Geotechnics, 2022, 146: 104728. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2022.104728.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. GEISTLINGER H, ATAEI-DADAVI I. Influence of the heterogeneous wettability on capillary trapping in glass-beads monolayers: Comparison between experiments and the invasion percolation theory [J]. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2015, 459: 230–240. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2015.07.074.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. LI Hong-xia, RAZA A, ZHANG Tie-jun. Imaging micro-scale multiphase flow in 3D-printed porous micromodels [C]// RDPETRO 2018: Research and Development Petroleum Conference and Exhibition. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, and Society of Petroleum Engineers, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1190/rdp2018-41682309.1.

  23. HU Ran, CHEN Yi-feng, WAN Jia-Min, et al. Supercritical CO2 water displacements and CO2 capillary trapping: micromodel experiment and numerical simulation [J]. Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 2017, 49(3): 638–648. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  24. GUNDA N S K, BERA B, KARADIMITRIOU N K, et al. Reservoir-on-a-chip (ROC): A new paradigm in reservoir engineering [J]. Lab on a Chip, 2011, 11(22): 3785–3792. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/c1lc20556k.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. CHEN Shao-jie, ZHANG Ji-cheng, YIN Da-wei, et al. Relative permeability measurement of coal microchannels using advanced microchip technology [J]. Fuel, 2022, 312: 122633. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2021.122633.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. YU Yi-xin, TANG Xuan, WU Xiao-dan, et al. Geological characteristics and accumulation mode of coalbed methane in Surat Basin of Australia [J]. Coal Science and Technology, 2018, 46(3): 160–167. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  27. JAFARI M, JUNG J. Salinity effect on micro-scale contact angles using a 2D micromodel for geological carbon dioxide sequestration [J]. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2019, 178: 152–161. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2019.03.033.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. STALDER A F, MELCHIOR T, MÜLLER M, et al. Low-bond axisymmetric drop shape analysis for surface tension and contact angle measurements of sessile drops [J]. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2010, 364(1–3): 72–81. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2010.04.040.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. ER V, BABADAGLI T, XU Zheng-he. Pore-scale investigation of the matrix - fracture interaction during CO2 injection in naturally fractured oil reservoirs [J]. Energy & Fuels, 2010, 24(2): 1421–1430. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/ef901038v.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. PLANET R, DÍAZ-PIOLA L, ORTÍN J. Capillary jumps of fluid-fluid fronts across an elementary constriction in a model open fracture [J]. Physical Review Fluids, 2020, 5(4): 044002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevfluids.5.044002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. HILPERT M. Effects of dynamic contact angle on liquid infiltration into inclined capillary tubes: Semi-analytical solutions [J]. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2009, 337(1): 138–144. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2009.04.058.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. HELLAND J O, JETTESTUEN E, FRIIS H A. A discrete-domain approach to three-phase hysteresis in porous media [J]. Water Resources Research, 2021, 57(6): 1–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2021wr029560.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. WANG Qiu-ling, GRABER E R, WALLACH R. Synergistic effects of geometry, inertia, and dynamic contact angle on wetting and dewetting of capillaries of varying cross sections [J]. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2013, 396: 270–277. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2013.01.022.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. LIU H, JU Y, WANG N, et al. Lattice Boltzmann modeling of contact angle and its hysteresis in two-phase flow with large viscosity difference [J]. Physical Review E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics, 2015, 92(3): 033306. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/physreve.92.033306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. BUSTOS C I, TOLEDO P G. Pore shape effects on the relative permeability of gas and condensate in three-dimensional pore networks [J]. Transport in Porous Media, 2004, 55(2): 247–251. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/b:tipm.0000010718.49313.48.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. EDERY Y, BERG S, WEITZ D. Surfactant variations in porous media localize capillary instabilities during haines jumps [J]. Physical Review Letters, 2018, 120(2): 028005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.120.028005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Energy and Mining Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China

    Ji-cheng Zhang  (张继成), Shao-jie Chen  (陈绍杰), Fan Feng  (冯帆) & M. Mohammed Zaki

  2. School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4067, Australia

    Song-tao Ji  (姬松涛)

  3. State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mines, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, 232001, China

    Fan Feng  (冯帆)

  4. College of Mining Engineering, T.F.Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, 65000, Russia

    A. Khoreshok Aleksey

  5. Faculty of Engineering, Mining and Petroleum Engineering Department, Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt

    M. Mohammed Zaki

Authors
  1. Ji-cheng Zhang  (张继成)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Shao-jie Chen  (陈绍杰)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Song-tao Ji  (姬松涛)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Fan Feng  (冯帆)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. A. Khoreshok Aleksey
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. M. Mohammed Zaki
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shao-jie Chen  (陈绍杰).

Additional information

Foundation item

Projects(52174159, 52074169, 52174026, 51904167, 52004146) supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China; Project(ZR2020QE102) supported by the Natural Science Foundation Youth Branch of Shandong Province, China; Project(SKLMRDPC21KF06) supported by the Open Fund for State Key Laboratory of Mining Response and Disaster Prevention and Control in Deep Coal Mines, China

Contributors

ZHANG Ji-cheng and JI Song-tao edited the draft of manuscript. CHEN Shao-jie provided the concept. ALEKSEY A. Khoreshok developed the overarching research goals. FENG Fan and ZAKI M. Mohammed conducted specific experiments. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Conflict of interest

ZHANG Ji-cheng, CHEN Shao-jie, JI Song-tao, FENG Fan, ALEKSEY A. Khoreshok and ZAKI M. Mohammed declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Zhang, Jc., Chen, Sj., Ji, St. et al. Imaging dynamic water invasion behavior in microfractures based on microfluidics. J. Cent. South Univ. 29, 3986–4001 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-022-5202-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-022-5202-7

Key words

关键词

Search

Navigation