Clogging and permeability reduction dynamics in porous media: A numerical simulation study

Elrahmani, Ahmed; Al-Raoush, Riyadh I.; Seers, Thomas

doi:10.1016/j.powtec.2023.118736

Cited by 16 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 62 publications

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“…In Rege & Fogler (1988) mercury porosimetry or photomicrographic techniques are suggested to determine the pore size distribution; in Reddi et al (2000) the Haines method adopting increasing suction pressures is mentioned. Recent studies suggest 3D imaging techniques with X-ray micro-tomography (micro-CT) (Elrahmani et al, 2023;Xiong et al, 2016). However, in the illustrated approach, a limitation is represented by the likelihood of particles deposition, which depends on the ionic condition constant θ 0 , and the critical velocity for particles wash-out n cr .…”

Section: Probabilistic Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of physical clogging models to Managed Aquifer Recharge: a review of modelling approaches from engineering fields

Lippera,

Werban,

Vienken

2023

AS-ITJGW

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Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) sites suffer from the long-lasting problem of clogging. The causes of clogging are physical, biological, chemical and mechanical processes and their complex interaction, with physical clogging being recognised as the predominant process. The intrusion and deposition of particles during water recharge affect the hydraulic properties of the infiltration surface, resulting in a decline in the infiltration capacity of the site over the operating years. Cleaning operations are necessary to restore the original infiltration rates. For this purpose, assessing the risk of clogging can determine the site’s vulnerability and improve the scheme’s design. Numerical models are essential to replicate physical clogging processes and predict the decline in infiltration rates. So far, predictive tools for physical clogging assessment have been missing in MAR literature. Hence, the purpose of this study is to analyse and reorganise physical clogging models from applied engineering fields dealing with water infiltration in natural heterogeneous systems. The modelling approaches are illustrated, starting from the main assumptions and conceptualisation of the soil volume and intruding particles. The individual processes are untangled from the multiple studies and reorganised in a systematic comparison of mathematical equations relevant to MAR applications. The numerical models’ predictive power is evaluated for transferability, following limitations and recommendations for a process-based model applicable to surface spreading schemes. Finally, perspectives are given for clogging risk assessment at MAR sites from modelling and site characterisation. The predictive tool could assist decision-makers in planning the MAR site by implementing cost-effective strategies to lower the risk of physical clogging.

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Section: Probabilistic Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of physical clogging models to Managed Aquifer Recharge: a review of modelling approaches from engineering fields

Lippera,

Werban,

Vienken

2023

AS-ITJGW

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Microscopic Mechanism of Particle Clogging in Porous Media During Managed Aquifer Recharge: From X‐Ray Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging to Numerical Modelling

Xu,

Ye,

2024

Hydrological Processes

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Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is a strategy within water resources management. However, issues related to clogging have hindered its implementation. The change in permeability of the medium is significantly influenced not only by the macroscopic characteristics of infiltration sand, such as heterogeneity and anisotropy, but also by its microstructural features, including pore structure, morphology and connectivity. Nevertheless, the interactions between fluid flow, particle migration and changes in permeability remain unclear. This study investigates the pore‐scale response mechanisms between fluid flow and pore clogging using a non‐destructive x‐ray computed tomography approach. Our findings indicate that the decrease in permeability due to particle deposition occurs in stages, with particles preferentially accumulating in irregularly shaped pores. The changes in the permeability of the sand column exhibit a negative correlation with alterations in shape factor and tortuosity, while showing a positive correlation with the fractal dimension. As pores become clogged with particles, the increase in tortuosity leads to a longer flow path. Once the sharp edges of the irregular pores are filled with particles, the pore space becomes smoother and more uniform, and the fractal dimension of the pores gradually decreases with further clogging. Based on numerical modelling of particle movement and the clogging process in porous media, it was determined that pressure is greatest in clogged pores. When this pressure reaches a certain threshold, the particles that were previously trapped in the pores are flushed out, leading to uneven changes in normalised hydraulic conductivity and normalised concentration at the outlet. If the pressure is insufficient to dislodge the clogging particles, the water flow path is compelled to change, resulting in a gradual stabilisation of the clogging.

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Micro-scale study on flow dynamics and clogging of poly-dispersed particles in porous media

Sun

2024

Comp. Part. Mech.

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Clogging and permeability reduction dynamics in porous media: A numerical simulation study

Cited by 16 publications

References 62 publications

Application of physical clogging models to Managed Aquifer Recharge: a review of modelling approaches from engineering fields

Application of physical clogging models to Managed Aquifer Recharge: a review of modelling approaches from engineering fields

Microscopic Mechanism of Particle Clogging in Porous Media During Managed Aquifer Recharge: From X‐Ray Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging to Numerical Modelling

Micro-scale study on flow dynamics and clogging of poly-dispersed particles in porous media

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