Porosity-Permeability Analysis on Pore Scale Simulation of Colloid Attachment

Abstract

The results from a developed model in Utrecht University are used to investigate the effect of particle attachment on pore hydraulic conductivity. The model was developed to simulate particle attachment on a micro-scale to the pore surface of a constricted pore. Fluid mechanics were modeled using the lattice Boltzmann method of fluid simulations, and particles were simulated as smooth body forces acting as an external force within the Lattice Boltzmann equation using the smoothed profile method. DLVO forces were simulated between particles, and between particles and the pore surface. A sensitivity analysis has been performed regarding four different variables influential to DLVO and hydrodynamic interactions that govern particle attachment. The variables analyzed include: particle radius, zeta potential, ionic strength and flow velocity. The resulting data of the model has been applied to investigate potential porosity-permeability relations at the micro-scale using attached particles as a proxy for porosity. The resulting profiles have been fitted using a generalized Kozeny-Carman and power law relation. Furthermore, coefficient analysis of said equations has been performed to investigate trends between changes in variables and coefficients. Although the fitted equations provide an adequate fit to the modeled system, further research are recommended to provide conclusive results on the coefficient analysis.