Complexity analysis of the connected pore structure in 3D porous medium using meandering parameter and permeability

Abstract

Abstract The complexity of the connected pore structure of porous media samples has been analysed using meandering parameter and permeability. The meandering parameter and absolute permeability was calculated for four porous medium models, which have porosity of 15%. Porous medium samples are generated by depositing grains of varying radius (10, 15, 20, 25 pixels) that are randomly distributed in a 200 × 200 × 200 medium. The fluid flows of the rock models were analysed on the y-direction. To trace the connected pore inside the porous medium, Simple Neurite Tracer was used which then generated the coordinate of the connected pore path for calculating the meandering parameter. Meandering parameter is calculated by using the definition of the ratio between the sum of the curvaceous angles of the connected pore path to the distance between two facing sides of the sample. Absolute permeability is calculated by simulating the Darcy’s experiment by means of Lattice Boltzmann Method. For the four sample models, it was found that meandering parameter is inversely proportional to the permeability.