Morphological patterns and interface instability during withdrawal of liquid-particle mixtures

Area of Science:

• Multiphase flow dynamics
• Interfacial phenomena
• Granular materials science

Background:

• Fluid-fluid interface stability is crucial for controlling displacement efficiency in multiphase flow.
• Particles can alter interfacial dynamics, leading to complex morphological patterns.
• Particle aggregations are hypothesized to significantly impact interface stability and pattern formation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of particle presence and aggregation on fluid-fluid interface stability.
• To analyze morphological patterns and displacement efficiency during granular mixture withdrawal.
• To understand the mechanisms of particle deposition in multiphase flow.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of homogeneous and inhomogeneous granular mixtures using silicone oil and polyethylene particles in a radial Hele-Shaw cell.
• Systematic study of interface morphology and stability during granular mixture withdrawal.
• Application of force balance analysis and thin film theory to elucidate particle deposition mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Homogeneous mixtures showed earlier fingering, more fingers, and lower gas saturation at breakthrough compared to pure fluids.
• Particle clusters and bands significantly enhanced interface instability in inhomogeneous mixtures.
• Particle deposition was observed above a critical flow velocity, explained by force balance and thin film theory.

Conclusions:

• Particle presence, especially in aggregated forms, significantly destabilizes fluid-fluid interfaces.
• The findings have practical implications for geoenergy and industrial multiphase flow applications.
• Understanding particle-interface interactions is key to controlling flow behavior.