Porenetworkmodellen

Porenetworkmodellen, often translated as pore network modeling, is a computational technique used to simulate fluid flow and transport phenomena within porous media. These media are characterized by a complex interconnected system of pores and throats, which are the voids and constrictions that define the pathways for fluid movement. The fundamental principle of pore network modeling is to simplify this intricate pore structure into a simplified network of idealized elements, typically represented as pores (nodes) connected by throats (bonds).

This simplification allows for the application of relatively simple physical laws to describe fluid behavior at the pore scale. For instance, flow through a throat can often be approximated by Poiseuille's law, while pore bodies can be treated as reservoirs. By solving these equations for each element in the network and considering the interactions between them, researchers can predict macroscopic properties of the porous medium, such as permeability, relative permeability, capillary pressure, and dispersion coefficients.

Pore network models are valuable tools in various scientific and engineering disciplines, including petroleum engineering for reservoir simulation, hydrology for groundwater flow analysis, soil science for understanding water and nutrient transport, and materials science for characterizing the properties of porous materials like filters and membranes. The accuracy of the model depends heavily on how well the simplified network represents the actual pore structure and the physical processes occurring within it. Different variations of pore network models exist, employing various methods for network generation, pore-throat characterization, and fluid flow simulation.