Immiscible fluid displacement in small networks

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Abstract

We report on experimental studies of air—liquid immiscible displacement in small random networks, with emphasis on the mechanics of drainage and imbibition as a function of flow rate. The networks are two-dimensional arrays of randomly-sized pores and throats etched into transparent resin, so that the fluid configuration can be observed under a microscope. In imbibition, the displacement occurs first via thin film spreading, followed by pistonlike displacement at high flow rates or by snap-off of menisci and displaced-phase trapping at low flow rates. In drainage, trapping occurs predominantly through bypass of regions of the displaced phase. The motion occurs reproducibly at the point of least capillary resistance at sufficiently low flow rates. Depending upon the network geometry, film drainage, meniscus snap-off, and coalescence phenomena may be observed. These experimental results, as well as the measured permeability and electrical conductivity, are compared to a network calculation using similar geometry and fluid properties. The calculated transport coefficients are in reasonable agreement with experiment, but the two-phase flow characteristics have only qualitative similarities. Implications for further experiments and modeling are discussed.

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