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

多孔介质中的多相流在现代能源系统中具有重要意义，包括地质固碳、地下水修复和能源开采。这些地下过程代表了加拿大经济中一个很大且不断增长的部分。例如，到2038年，来自油砂的收入预计将达到2.5万亿美元；据估计，阿尔伯塔省的页岩油气储量可与美国最丰富的页岩气田相媲美；地下碳封存点可以储存1320亿吨二氧化碳（CO2），是加拿大每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，以便这些基本过程能够以最大的效率和对环境的最小影响进行。多孔介质中多相流动的一个迫切需要更多研究的特定方面是润湿性（即固体对流体的亲和力）对流动行为的影响。虽然众所周知，润湿性会根据介质和孔隙流体的类型发生巨大变化，但与润湿性控制相关的物理机制仍然知之甚少。提出的研究计划旨在促进我们对多孔介质中多相流在不同尺度上的润湿性控制的理解。具体来说，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二维微纳米流体装置来研究孔隙尺度物理；聚焦区II将利用强大的同步加速器x射线和中子源，通过微型ct可视化3D样品的流动；重点区域III将开发新的孔隙尺度数学模型，以捕获润湿的复杂物理。通过利用申请人在各种实验和数值技术方面的专业知识，拟议的研究项目代表了对多孔介质多相流研究的独特贡献。此外，它将提供高素质的专业培训人员（hqp），以满足加拿大能源和环境部门不断增长的需求。总的来说，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技术的领导者。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出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。

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.