Pattern transition of flow dynamics in a highly water-absorbent granular bed

Abstract

An aqueous sodium chloride solution was injected at a controlled rate into a granular bed in a quasi-two-dimensional cell. The granular bed was made of dried, highly water-absorbent gel particles whose swelling rate was controlled by the salinity of the injected fluid. At a high salinity level (low swelling rate), high injection rate, and short timescale, the injected fluid percolated between the gel particles in an isotropic manner. Meanwhile, at a low salinity level (high swelling rate), low injection rate, and long timescale, the gel particles clogged the flow path, resulting in anisotropic branch-like structures of the injected fluid front. The transition of the injection pattern could be understood based on the ratio of the characteristic timescales of swelling and injection. Moreover, the clogged pattern showed an oscillatory pressure drop whose amplitude was increased with higher salinity. Such an oscillatory behavior observed in an injection process in swelling gel particles may be relevant in geological situation, such as fluid migration underground.