A new stereolithography experimental porous flow device
Dustin Crandall1, Goodarz Ahmadi, Douglas Leonard
1United States Department of Energy National Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown, West Virginia 26507-0880, USA. dustin.crandall@nr.netl.doe.gov
Abstract:
A new method for constructing laboratory-scale porous media with increased pore-level variabilities for two-phase flow experiments is presented here. These devices have been created with stereolithography directly on glass, thus improving the stability of the model created with this precision rapid construction technique. The method of construction and improved parameters are discussed in detail, followed by a brief comparison of two-phase drainage results for air invasion into the water-saturated porous medium. Flow through the model porous medium is shown to substantiate theoretical fractal predictions.

