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Simpleware Case Study: Simulating Pore-Scale Chemical Transport
Overview
Image-based modelling can be used to analyze mass transfer phenomena through porous media, with particular applications to reservoir rock pore-throats networks. The aim of these analyses is to improve our understanding and characterization of the way fluids move through variable pore-scales.
Using real geometries from micro-CT, this project involved generating a 3D model in Simpleware software for visualization and processing prior to meshing and export to COMSOL Multiphysics® for studying chemical transport mechanisms.
Highlights:
- Micro-CT data of real rock geometries obtained from open source library
- Image processing and segmentation in Simpleware ScanIP
- Robust multiphase meshing of pore structure in Simpleware FE
- Pore-scale chemical transport simulation in COMSOL Multiphysics®
Thanks to
Memorial University of Newfoundland: M. Mahmoodi
Image Processing
RAW image files of pore space and microstructure were obtained using micro-CT data from an open-source rock CT-image library provided by The Imperial College Consortium on Pore-Scale Modelling (PERM). Simpleware ScanIP was used to convert the data into a 3D-voxel based geometry ready to perform the meshing. This step is extremely complex due to usual noises originating from the CT scans. In order to render well-constructed rock and pore phases, a series of visual filters and image processing techniques have been applied in ScanIP software.
Visualization and segmentation of micro-CT data in Simpleware ScanIP
A very robust CFD mesh of the multiphase model was generated using the Simpleware FE module and exported directly to COMSOL Multiphysics®.
Meshed pore structure model using the Simpleware FE module
Numerical Simulation
The meshed porous media model was then imported to commercial PDE-solver COMSOL Multiphysics® for solving a Navier-Stokes equation and to calculate basic parameters such as absolute permeability. This workflow allowed for modelling of the transportation of chemical components in the real pore-level geometry.
COMSOL results (time dependent streamlines)
Conclusions
In this project a high-quality 3D model and robust mesh was generated in Simpleware software in order to simulate pore-scale chemical transport in porous media. The straightforward workflow sets up the potential for new rock physics studies into dispersion and diffusion, as well as multi-phase flow, depending on available computational resources.
Any Questions?
Do you have any questions about this case study or how to use Simpleware software for your own workflows?