A new method to reconstruct structured mesh model from micro-computed tomography images of porous media and its application. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Song, Rui; Liu, Jianjun; Cui, Mengmeng
• Is Part Of: International journal of heat and mass transfer. Volume 109(2017)
• Page Start: 705
• Page End: 715
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Porous media -- Structured mesh models -- Micro-CT images -- Single- and two- phase flow; Heat -- Transmission -- Periodicals; Mass transfer -- Periodicals; Chaleur -- Transmission -- Périodiques; Transfert de masse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.4022
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheatmasstransfer.2017.02.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-9310

Abstract

Highlights: A new approach of pore scale structured mesh model is presented. Advantages of topology and mesh quality are stated. Single- and two- phase flow simulations are conducted and validated. Abstract: Pore-scale modeling of porous media has been emphasized as a platform to study the mechanical properties, fluid storage and transport properties in it. A universal and easy-to-realize approach of structured mesh model is presented in this paper to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) pore scale models from the micro computed tomography (micro-CT) images. By substituting the structured hexahedron elements for the voxels in the 3D images, codes are developed to reconstruct the micro structure of porous media. The structured model is tested by the micro-CT images of four rock samples. The advantages of topology and mesh quality of this model is validated by comparisons between the PNM and unstructured mesh models. Then numerical simulations of single- and two- phase flow are conducted in Fluent software. The models are validated between the experimental data and simulation results of PNM on the absolute permeability and relative permeability curves under different conditions of sample wettability.