“Two-phase flow in porous media: Improvement of the Mechanistic Model DeProF and implementation in practical applications” (23.59.6) Project Acronym: ImproDeProF

Background Two-phase flow in porous media occupies a central position in physically important processes with practical applications in the energy and environment industry. DeProF is a mechanistic model for two-phase flow in p.m.; it accounts for the pore-scale mechanisms and the network wide cooperative effects, and is sufficiently simple and fast for practical purposes. It is based on the concept of decomposition into prototype flows and scaling-up pore level phenomena into the macroscopic flow. Aim To implement the DeProF model in the solution of industrial application problems and to extend and improve the associated DeProF theory to reveal the latent physics governing sought process. Specifically, Workpackages Expected Results From a technology point of view, it is important to reveal /design and set /tailor such operating conditions that improve the efficiency of sought processes, according to predetermined techno-economic criteria. WP.1 will address the problem of improving process efficiency near linear sinks (wells) in p.m. (underground reservoirs). Said problem is of practical importance in oil extraction industry (EOR processes), environmental industry (remediation of polluted soil/aquifers), and has potentially translational applications in fuel cell (PEM) technology. Development of improved pore network unit cell conductance maps, proposed in WP.2 & WP.3, will improve DeProF performance. A prerequisite is the solution of two-phase flow problems at pore scale implementing modern numerical methods (analog equation in boundary elements, lattice Boltzmann, meshless CFD). The elucidation of the basic /fundamental physical mechanisms that govern sought process is of great scientific value. To this end, aspects of efficiency improvement for 2φ flow in p.m. processes will be investigated and corresponding results will be conceptually justified on statistical thermodynamics and experimental evidence (WP.4). Finally, in WP.5, project evaluation will take place and research results will be disseminated through publications, design recommendations and presentations into scientific conferences, industry workshops etc.