Deterministic modeling of fluid flow through a CT-scanned fracture using computational fluid dynamics

T. Petchsingto, Z. T. Karpyn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Modeling flow through fractures is a major challenge in the design of recovery mechanisms from naturally fractured reservoirs, since proper structural characterization of fracture networks and fracture transport properties are rarely available. We investigate single-phase flow dynamics in a rough fracture model constructed from high-resolution X-ray computed tomography images, using computational fluid dynamics. Flow simulations gave a detailed description of pressure and velocity fields and showed that this approach can be used for the deterministic analysis of single-phase flow through fractures. Our results demonstrate the formation of preferential flow channels and their correlation with local structural characteristic of the fracture.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)897-905
Number of pages9
JournalEnergy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization and Environmental Effects
Volume31
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2009

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Fuel Technology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology

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