Harnessing Wettability Control on Multiphase Flow in Porous Media: from Geologic Carbon Sequestration to Shale Gas/Oil Recovery

利用润湿性控制多孔介质中的多相流：从地质碳封存到页岩气/油回收

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-07162
• 负责人: Zhao, Benzhong
• 金额: $ 2.04万
• 依托单位: McMaster University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2021-01-01 至 2022-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=739339
• 关键词: Harnessing; Wettability; Control; Multiphase; Flow

Multiphase flow in porous media is important in modern energy systems, which include geologic carbon sequestration, groundwater remediation, and energy extraction. These subsurface processes represent a large and growing portion of the Canadian economy. For example, revenues from oil sands is projected to reach $2.5-trillion by 2038; shale gas/oil deposits in Alberta are estimated to rival those of the most prolific U.S. shale fields; and underground carbon sequestration sites could store 132-billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), 150 times more than Canada's annual greenhouse gas emissions. Given its importance, it is critical that we achieve a comprehensive understanding of multiphase flow in porous media, so that these essential processes can be carried out with maximal efficiency and minimal impact on the environment. A particular aspect of multiphase flow in porous media that is in urgent need of more research is the impact of wettability (i.e. the affinity of the solid to a fluid) on the flow behavior. Although it is well-known that wettability can vary drastically depending on the type of media and pore fluids, the physical mechanisms associated with wettability control remain poorly understood. The proposed research program is designed to advance our understanding of wettability control on multiphase flow in porous media across different scales. Specifically, the research program consists of three interrelated focus areas. Focus Area I will use quasi-2D micro-and nano-fluidic devices with controlled wettability to investigate the pore-scale physics; Focus Area II will leverage powerful synchrotron X-ray and neutron sources to visualize flow in 3D samples via micro-CT; Focus Area III will develop novel pore-scale mathematical models that capture the complex physics of wetting. The proposed research program represents a unique contribution to the study of multiphase flow in porous media by leveraging the applicant's expertise in a variety of experimental and numerical techniques. Additionally, it will provide highly qualified personnels (HQPs) with specialized training that is tailored to meet the rising demand of Canadian energy and environment sectors. Overall, today's fast-changing global energy landscape requires Canadian companies to become technical leaders of multiphase flow in porous media. The proposed research program will fill key knowledge gaps in how wettability impacts multiphase flow in the subsurface. The research results will enable Canadian companies to design processes that harness wettability control, leading to more efficient energy production and less adverse environmental impact.

多孔介质中的多相流在现代能源系统中具有重要意义，包括地质碳封存、地下水修复和能源开采。这些地下过程代表了加拿大经济的一个很大的和不断增长的部分。例如，到2038年，油砂的收入预计将达到2.5万亿美元;据估计，阿尔伯塔的页岩气/石油储量可与美国最多产的页岩气田相媲美;地下碳封存地点可储存1320亿吨二氧化碳（CO2），是加拿大年温室气体排放量的150倍。鉴于其重要性，我们必须全面了解多孔介质中的多相流，以便以最大的效率和对环境的最小影响进行这些基本过程。多孔介质中多相流的一个特殊方面是润湿性（即固体对流体的亲和力）对流动行为的影响，这迫切需要更多的研究。尽管众所周知，润湿性可以根据介质和孔隙流体的类型而急剧变化，但与润湿性控制相关的物理机制仍然知之甚少。 提出的研究计划的目的是提高我们的理解润湿性控制多相流在多孔介质中的不同尺度。具体而言，该研究计划包括三个相互关联的重点领域。重点领域I将使用具有可控润湿性的准2D微米和纳米流体设备来研究孔尺度物理;重点领域II将利用强大的同步加速器X射线和中子源通过微CT可视化3D样品中的流动;重点领域III将开发新颖的孔尺度数学模型，以捕获润湿的复杂物理。拟议的研究计划是一个独特的贡献，多相流在多孔介质中的研究，利用申请人的专业知识，在各种实验和数值技术。此外，它还将为高素质人员提供专门培训，以满足加拿大能源和环境部门不断增长的需求。总体而言，当今快速变化的全球能源格局要求加拿大公司成为多孔介质多相流的技术领导者。拟议的研究计划将填补润湿性如何影响地下多相流的关键知识空白。研究结果将使加拿大公司能够设计利用润湿性控制的工艺，从而提高能源生产效率，减少对环境的不利影响。