PORE 2-4: Capillarity In Porous Media At Different Scales

In this course, a systematic approach is taken to the understanding of capillarity in porous media on different scales. Current definitions of capillary pressure, which have mainly an empirical character, are revisited and it is shown that they are special cases of a more general theory of capillarity.

What Will You Learn?

First, a brief review of single-phase flow in porous media at pore scale and macroscale is given. Hagen-Poiseuille formula and Darcy’s law are introduced. Next, starting from molecular level, the reasons for existence of fluid-fluid interfaces and surface tension are explained. Then, concepts of hydrophilicity and capillarity are introduced. Afterward, two-phase at pore scale and capillary rise are discussed. Next, capillary pressure at the macroscale (Darcy scale) is introduced and its link to pore-scale processes is explained. Finally, current macroscale theory of two-phase flow is presented and its shortcomings are discussed in detail. Advanced theories of two-phase flow are introduced that overcome those shortcomings. On the last day, research questions of participants related to capillarity and two-phase flow will
be discussed.

Not currently on offer
Lecturer
Managing Director
Overview
Category
Course
Duration Time
14 hours total (2 hours per session)
Level
Bachelor
Start Course
Course Dates
Price
Not currently on offer
Course Dates: Please note that a new date for this course has not yet been set.

 

Plan of lectures

Review of single-phase flow in porous media (2 hours)
  • Concept of scale, and various methods of studying two-phase flow (micromodels, column experiments, pore-scale models, macroscale models)
  • Navier-Stokes equation, Hagen-Poiseuille formula and Darcy’s law
Principles of multi-phase flow in porous media; pore scale (5 hours)
  • 2.1 Concepts of immiscibility, surface energy, wettability, surface tension, contact angle, Young’s equation, Young-Laplace equation
  • 2.2 Capillary rise in a single tube involving multiple phases
  • 2.3 Capillarity under flow conditions
Principles of multi-phase flow in porous media; macroscale (5 hours)
  • 3.1 Capillary pressure and relative permeability; the link to pore scale
  • 3.2 Capillary hysteresis; basics and models; role of fluid-fluid and solid-fluid interfaces
  • 3.3 Advanced theories of two-phase flow; Dynamic capillarity effect
Discussion of research questions of participants (2 hours)

Participants should share questions from their own research early in the course and they will be discussed during the last session.
 

Duration: 14 hours total (2 hours per session)
Location: Online
Dates: The course last took place Mondays & Thursdays from October 3 through 24, 2024. The dates were as follows.

  • Thursday, October 3rd (16:00-18:00 Central European Time)
  • Monday October 7th (16:00-18:00 Central European Time)
  • Thursday, October 10th (16:00-18:00 Central European Time)
  • Monday October 14th (16:00-18:00 Central European Time)
  • Thursday, October 17th (16:00-18:00 Central European Time)
  • Monday October 21st (16:00-18:00 Central European Time)
  • Thursday, October 24th (16:00-18:00 Central European Time)
Course Price Display
Not currently on offer

Course Lessons