Transparent 3D Pore Structure Model for Fluid Displacement Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for studying fluid displacement-seepage processes in complex rock pore structures are limited by the inability to accurately replicate and visualize the dynamic evolution of immiscible fluids in three-dimensional natural rock masses, due to difficulties in creating transparent, three-dimensional models and capturing real-time data.
Innovation Solution
A method involving computed tomography scans, image processing, and 3D printing to create transparent three-dimensional pore structure models, combined with a comprehensive experiment system for simulating fluid displacement processes, including a displacement-seepage controlling system, imaging, and analysis to quantify seepage and speed fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If computed tomography scan technology is used to capture displacement-seepage process, then direct presentation of the process is achieved, but imaging time is too long (16 seconds to 30 minutes per scan) causing loss of dynamic evolution information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical replica (copy) of the complex rock pore structure using 3D printing technology. This replica allows for rapid imaging and experimentation without requiring repeated CT scans of the actual rock core, thereby capturing dynamic evolution information that would otherwise be lost during lengthy scanning processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by first creating a detailed 3D digital model of the pore structure through initial CT scanning, then fabricating a physical replica before conducting displacement-seepage experiments. This preliminary modeling enables subsequent rapid experimentation without repeated long scanning sessions.
2Ease of manufacture
If laser etching method is used to form pore structure on silicon panel, then pore structure model can be created, but only two-dimensional and quasi two-dimensional structures are formed while natural complex three-dimensional structure cannot be fabricated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional laser etching on silicon panels to three-dimensional printing, adding the vertical dimension to accurately reproduce the complex 3D pore structure of natural rocks. This dimensional enhancement enables faithful replication of natural rock architectures that cannot be achieved with planar etching methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser etching process with a 3D printing system that uses material deposition and solidification. This substitution enables true three-dimensional structure fabrication rather than surface-level two-dimensional patterns, accurately capturing the volumetric complexity of natural pore networks.
3Ease of manufacture
If splicing method is used to assemble pore structure model with glass cover plate, then model can be constructed, but airtightness problem exists especially at splicing seam between upper and lower cover plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cover plate and pore structure body into a single integrated 3D printed component. This unification eliminates the splicing seams between separate parts that cause airtightness problems, creating a seamless structure that maintains pressure integrity throughout the displacement-seepage experiments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the experimental system into modular components that can be independently fabricated and then precisely assembled with reliable sealing interfaces, rather than attempting to create a single monolithic structure that would be difficult to manufacture and seal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If numerical simulation method is used to explore displacement-seepage process, then interactions among immiscible fluids can be replicated, but fluid flow theory depends on macroscopic physical parameters that cannot present micro-scale instabilities such as speed jumping effect, water locking effect, and viscous fingering effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical replica of the pore structure as an intermediary between numerical simulation and actual rock experiments. This intermediate physical model allows direct visualization and measurement of micro-scale phenomena while maintaining controlled experimental conditions, bridging the gap between theoretical simulations and complex natural systems.
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
Enables the visualization and quantitative analysis of fluid displacement processes in complex rock pore structures, improving imaging efficiency and data accuracy, and allowing for the exploration of displacement mechanisms in natural rock masses.
Implementation Method 1
printing, by a 3D printing device, the three-dimensional pore structure model with a transparent and visible internal structure based on the digital structure model
Implementation Method 2
acquiring a structure image of a natural rock mass with a computed tomography scan technology or an imaging technology
Data Source
AI summary
An experiment system and transparent experiment method for replicating fluid displacement in a pore structure of a natural rock mass are provided. The natural pore structure is extracted and a digital porous model corresponding to the natural rock mass is reconstructed with the image processing method. Based on the digital porous model, a three-dimensional pore structure model with a transparent and visible internal structure is printed by a 3D printing device, such that the pore space inside the three-dimensional pore structure model is visible. In this way, the whole fluid flow during the displacement-seepage process within the natural rock mass can be replicated and visually observed from the outside when performing the displacement-seepage experiment. Further, temperature, flow rate, and pressure can be accurately controlled, to replicate various experiment conditions, so as to perform quantitative analysis on distribution features of a seepage field and a fluid speed field.