A stochastic approach for predicting tortuosity in porous media via pore network modeling
Abstract In this study, a novel procedure is introduced and employed to calculate the tortuosity of porous media using pore network modeling. For this purpose, a 3D pore network model for porous media is constructed using network elements (pores and throats) along with its geometrical and topological characteristics. A unique method is introduced for connecting each pore to neighbors in an arbitrary direction with a variable pore coordination number. Next, fluid flow is simulated and the pressure distribution is achieved. Then, a stochastic procedure is applied to determine the tortuosity of the porous media. Since the probability of each path is calculated based on fluid flow rates, the stochastic approach makes it possible to calculate the tortuosity for effective paths, and there is no need for total path determination. The tortuosity of Berea sandstone, as a case study, is computed to be 2.07 using the described procedure, which is in good agreement with the experimental data. Finally, the impact of the repetition number and network parameters, including network size, pore coordination number, throat radius distribution, pore radius distribution, and pore/throat shape on the tortuosity calculation is investigated in detail.