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
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|May 2, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to create detailed porous media models for studying two-phase flow. These stereolithography-printed models on glass enhance experimental stability and validate fractal theories.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Understanding multiphase flow in porous media is crucial for various scientific and engineering applications.
- Existing methods for creating laboratory-scale porous media often lack sufficient pore-level variability and stability.
- Precise control over pore structure is essential for accurate experimental validation of flow theories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel method for constructing laboratory-scale porous media with enhanced pore-level variability.
- To improve the stability and reproducibility of porous media models for two-phase flow experiments.
- To compare experimental two-phase drainage results with theoretical predictions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized stereolithography (3D printing) directly onto glass substrates for model construction.
- Focused on creating porous media with increased pore-level variabilities.
- Conducted two-phase drainage experiments, specifically air invasion into a water-saturated medium.
Main Results:
- Successfully constructed stable, laboratory-scale porous media models with high pore-level variability.
- Demonstrated the improved stability of models created using stereolithography on glass.
- Observed experimental two-phase drainage flow patterns that substantiate theoretical fractal predictions.
Conclusions:
- The presented stereolithography-based method offers a robust approach for creating advanced porous media models.
- These models provide a valuable platform for investigating complex two-phase flow phenomena.
- The experimental results confirm the applicability of fractal theory in describing flow through such engineered porous structures.
