Micro-Nanofluidic Models for Triple-Medium Carbonate Reservoir Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-nanofluidic models fail to accurately simulate the three-dimensional structural characteristics of carbonate reservoirs, particularly in terms of cave, fracture, and pore structures, leading to uncertainties in predicting carbon dioxide sequestration and oil recovery due to complex flow behaviors.
Innovation Solution
A preparation method involving sequential etching and in-situ modification to create a micro-nanofluidic model of triple-medium carbonate reservoir, incorporating calcium carbonate nanocrystalline layers to replicate the roughness and wetting characteristics of real carbonate reservoirs, allowing for controlled etching depths and flexible wetting modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rock models are used, then the model structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the complex flow behaviors and oil displacement processes in porous media cannot be observed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a microfluidic model that copies the essential structural features of carbonate reservoirs (caves, fractures, pores) at a micro-scale level. This allows direct observation of flow behaviors while maintaining the key characteristics of the original complex system, resolving the contradiction between observation capability and model simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing micro-nanofluidic models use array structures of regular models, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the three-dimensional structural characteristics of real rock cannot be fully simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional regular array structures to three-dimensional microfluidic structures that replicate the spatial complexity of carbonate reservoirs. By incorporating vertical and lateral connectivity across multiple layers, the model achieves accurate 3D structural simulation while using systematic fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-layer stacked structure where different structural components (caves, fractures, pores) are nested across multiple levels. Each layer contains specific structural features that connect vertically and laterally, creating a hierarchical 3D architecture that simulates the complex rock formation while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing microfluidic models refer to two-dimensional rock slices, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the three-dimensional communication of porous media cannot be reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the vertical dimension to the microfluidic model by stacking multiple layers with controlled connectivity. This enables the simulation of 3D fluid communication pathways between caves, fractures, and pores, accurately representing the spatial heterogeneity and connectivity of carbonate reservoirs that cannot be captured in 2D slices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances the accuracy of simulating flow behaviors in carbonate reservoirs, enabling more precise studies of oil and gas recovery and CO2 sequestration, and can withstand harsh conditions, facilitating large-scale CO2 storage optimization.
Implementation Method 1
forming a photoresist layer on a glass substrate, and subjecting the photoresist layer to an exposure treatment and an etching treatment by the first mask, the second mask and the third mask sequentially
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the photoresist layer to an exposure treatment and an etching treatment by the first mask, the second mask and the third mask sequentially
Implementation Method 3
introducing a first solution, a second solution and a third solution into the second intermediate model sequentially to form a calcium carbonate nanocrystalline layer, where the second solution includes Ca2+, and the third solution includes CO32−
Data Source
AI summary
A preparation method of a micro-nanofluidic model of triple-medium carbonate reservoir includes the following steps: obtaining a cave structure, a fracture structure and a pore structure of a carbonate rock, and preparing a first mask, a second mask and a third mask respectively; forming a photoresist layer on a glass substrate, and subjecting the photoresist layer to an exposure treatment and an etching treatment through the first mask, the second mask and the third mask sequentially, and then subjecting to a washing treatment, to obtain a first intermediate model; fitting the etched side of the first intermediate model with a glass cover, and subjecting to a bonding treatment, to obtain a second intermediate model; introducing a first solution, a second solution and a third solution into the second intermediate model sequentially to form a calcium carbonate nanocrystalline layer and to obtain the micro-nanofluidic model of triple-medium carbonate reservoir.