Application of additive technologies in reproduction of the core physical structure and validation of numerical calculations

About the authors:

Alexander A. Meshcheryakov, Postgraduate Student, Department of Applied and Technical Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tyumen, Tyumen, Russia; meshcheryakov.a.a@outlook.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6240-0415


Farid K. Shabiev, Cand. Sci. (Phys.-Math.), Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Applied and Technical Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tyumen; faridshab@mail.ru

Abstract:

The advancement of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies necessitates a more detailed study of oil displacement processes in porous media. Traditional laboratory methods for core sample analysis are limited by the duration of experiments and low reproducibility. This study presents a novel approach to the creation of three-dimensional microfluidic models of porous media using additive manufacturing technologies.

The proposed methodology includes the development of a digital model, numerical simulation of filtration and capacity properties, 3D printing of a physical sample, and experimental validation. Modern 3D printing methods, such as SLA/DLP and two-photon polymerization, enable the reproduction of complex geometric structures with resolutions down to the nanoscale. This capability opens new opportunities for precise modeling of two-phase filtration processes, interactions between drilling fluids and rocks, and other challenges in petroleum hydrodynamics.

The study results demonstrate the potential of controlling the filtration and capacity characteristics of 3D-printed microfluidic models to enhance the efficiency of experimental investigations. The proposed methodological approach provides universal tools for studying porous media and lays the foundation for further developments in the field of enhanced oil recovery.

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