A numerical model of the MICP multi-process considering the scale size.

Area of Science:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Biogeochemistry

Background:

• Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an eco-friendly technology with diverse applications.
• Longitudinal dispersivity in MICP processes is scale-dependent, impacting model accuracy.
• Existing models often overlook scale effects, leading to discrepancies with experimental data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the relationship between scale size and longitudinal dispersivity in MICP.
• To optimize the theoretical framework of MICP multi-process reactions by incorporating scale effects.
• To enhance the accuracy of numerical models for MICP applications.

Main Methods:

• Establishing a relationship between scale size and longitudinal dispersivity.
• Optimizing the MICP multi-process reaction theoretical system.
• Numerical simulation of microbial mineralization kinetic models.

Main Results:

• Longitudinal dispersivity increases logarithmically with scale size (from 10⁻² m to 10⁵ m, dispersivity increases from 10⁻³ m to 10⁴ m).
• Considering scale size improves calcium carbonate distribution accuracy and increases suspended and attached bacteria, leading to higher carbonate content.
• Scale size has minimal impact on suspended bacteria penetration; maximum carbonate content correlates with initial porosity, and average carbonate increases with bacterial injection rate.

Conclusions:

• Scale size significantly influences longitudinal dispersivity in MICP.
• Incorporating scale effects enhances the predictive accuracy of MICP models.
• It is recommended to consider scale size influence in simulations of MICP multi-process and microbial mineralization kinetic models.