Physical Similarity of Fluid Flow in Bimodal Porous Media: Part 1 -- Basic Model and Solution Characteristics

Abstract

Fluid flow through bimodal porous media, characterized by a distinct separation in pore size distribution, is critical in various scientific and engineering applications, including groundwater management, oil and gas production, and carbon sequestration. This note delves into the physical similarity of fluid flow within such media, bridging the gap between microscale phenomena and macroscale observations. We present a representative mathematical model that conceptualizes bimodal porous media as a double-continuum system, distinguishing between macroporous and microporous regions. The model captures the complex interactions between these regions, particularly focusing on the challenges of modeling fluid flow when there is significant disparity in pore sizes. By employing a heuristic approach grounded in pore-scale tomography, we derive governing equations that describe fluid flow and analyze the solution characteristics. The results reveal unique features of the fluid flow in bimodal systems, such as the occurrence of boundary discontinuities and the delayed transient response, which are not observed in conventional porous media. This work provides ground for further studies in bimodal porous media, offering insights that could enhance predictive modeling and optimization in various applications concerning porous media with similar bimodal pore size distributions.