Transport and Capture of Colloidal Particles in Single Fractures

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the transport and capture rates of colloidal particles were calculated for a parallel-plate channel simulating a single fracture. The steady-state convective diffusion equation was solved with the particle velocity normal to the walls of the channel being the sum of the external forces acting on the particles. The forces considered were the gravitational, London-van der Waals and electric-double layer forces. The effects of parameters governing these forces and particle production mechanism on the rates of particle capture and transport are determined. The dynamic balance between particle production and capture has a significant effect on the concentration of particles leaving the fracture. The average particle velocity, though higher than the average fluid velocity, seems to be insensitive to phenomena governing particle capture.