Evaluation of 3D printed microfluidic networks to study fluid flow in rocks

Visualizing fluid flow in porous media can provide a better understanding of transport phenomena at the pore scale. In this regard, transparent micromodels are suitable tools to investigate media. However, using glass as primary material makes them inappropriate for predicting natural behavior rocks. Moreover, constructing these is time-consuming via conventional methods. Thus, an alternative approach be employ 3D printing technology fabricate representative This study investigates processes through microfluidic device based on complex geometry (natural rock) digital-light processing technology. Unlike previous studies, one has focused manufacturing repeatability. micromodel, like custom-built cell, capable modeling single and multiphase phenomena. First, tomographic data carbonate rock sample segmented printed by printer. Two miscible immiscible tracer injection experiments performed media, while verified with same boundary conditions CFD simulator. The comparison results Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM), where both experiments, more than 80% SSIM achieved. confirms reliability methodology reusable models promising reliable tool visual investigation Ultimately, presents novel comprehensive framework 2.5D realistic devices (micromodels) from pore-scale images that validated simulations.