Pore scale modeling of fluid transport in complex reservoirs: Multi-scale digital rock construction, flow experiments and simulation methods

The heterogeneities of complex reservoirs are expressed in terms of multi-scale pore structure, different pore type and multiple occurrence mode. Fluid transport mechanisms notably differ from that in conventional sandstone reservoir. Conventional core scale experimental methods are not applicable to complex reservoirs because of nanoscale pore size and strong heterogeneity. Investigating pore scale fluid flow is the key to reveal flow mechanisms while the current pore scale modelling framework fails to consider the multi-scale structure, multiphase fluid-rock interaction and confined phase change. This work leverages the recent advances in pore scale modeling methods of fluid transport in complex reservoirs. The developing trend of multi-scale digital rock construction, flow experiments and simulation methods are elaborated in detail. The mentioned pore scale modeling methods in this work form the future research paradigm for understanding fluid transport mechanisms in complex reservoirs. Document Type: Current minireview Cited as: Song, W., Liu, F., Li, Y., Yang, Y. Pore scale modeling of fluid transport in complex reservoirs: Multi-scale digital rock construction, flow experiments and simulation methods. Capillarity, 2024, 11(3): 81-88. https://doi.org/10.46690/capi.2024.06.03