Laboratory and theoretical investigation of size exclusion suspension flow in rocks

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Particle transport in suspension flow with pore plugging and particle capture is encountered in a wide range of porous media including reservoir rocks. Based on the particle population balance, a micro scale model accounting for particle size exclusion mechanism and triangular shaped pore throat geometry, has been developed. The steady state case, which corresponds to the initial stage of size exclusion deep bed filtration, allows for an analytical solution. The recovered outlet concentration of suspended particles from this solution is then matched with the measurement from well designed challenge coreflood testing which guarantees net particle-grain repulsion for pure straining condition. The comparison shows good agreement between the modelling result and the laboratory measurement, which also results in the evaluation of pore throat size distribution.</jats:p>