JOURNAL: Dynamic imaging of the effect of pore microstructure factors on fine particle migration and deposition during fluid flow through porous media
Summary
Authors:
Ke Wang
Chenzi Shi
Shuangyi Gong
Kuhan Chellappah
Philip J. Withers
Kevin G. Taylor
Robert Atwood
Lin Ma
The University of Manchester
University of Geosciences
BP Exploration
Diamond Light Source
Dynamic imaging of the effect of pore microstructure factors on fine particle migration and deposition during fluid flow through porous media
Chemical Engineering Science
March 2025
This paper looks at how tiny particles move and settle within porous materials like rock or filter media, important for industries from energy to environmental engineering. Using 3D X-ray imaging, researchers tracked particles travelling through glass bead models representing both uniform and more variable conditions, identifying a sequence of behaviours from surface sticking to pore blocking, and a key size ratio that determines how particles get trapped. The findings offer a clearer, predictive picture that could help manage clogging in drilling operations and improve filter design for clean energy applications.