Abstract:
This study investigates the mechanisms of fines migration and deposition in porous media by using a particle-seepage coupling method. A cylindrical porous media model is constructed by PFC
3D, and a seepage program is developed in Python to achieve two-way fluid-solid coupling. The particle flow governing equation under saturation state is derived, and the microscopic parameters of the model are calibrated and verified through microfluidic experimental data. The particle migration process in cylindrical saturated porous media is simulated, and the impact of interparticle adhesion on the migration process is analyzed. In the simulations, the JKR contact model is employed in the simulations to characterize the interparticle forces. The results indicate that when considering interparticle forces, aggregates are easily formed, leading to more adsorption and deposition of fines on the surface of porous media. Arching structures due to particle accumulation appear in the pores, resulting in significant pore clogging. The evolution of permeability is affected by interparticle forces. A large number of fines are captured by solid skeleton, resulting in pore clogging and the permeability curve decreases and eventually tends to stabilize. Finally, the particle distribution inside the model exhibits spatial heterogeneity: a barrier layer is formed in the middle region (L2) of the model, while stable clogging occurs in the bottom region (L3) when interparticle attractive forces are considered. In contrast, models considering only linear contact show a dynamic equilibrium of particle entry and exit.