Content area

Abstract

X-ray micro-computed tomography (X-ray micro-CT) is widely employed to investigate flow phenomena in porous media, providing a powerful alternative to core-scale experiments for estimating traditional petrophysical properties such as porosity, single-phase permeability or fluid connectivity. However, the segmentation process, critical for deriving these properties from greyscale images, varies significantly between studies due to the absence of a standardized workflow or any ground truth data. This introduces challenges in comparing results across different studies, especially for properties sensitive to segmentation. To address this, we present a fully open-source, automated workflow for the segmentation of a Bentheimer sandstone filled with nitrogen and brine. The workflow incorporates a traditional image processing pipeline, including non-local means filtering, image registration, watershed segmentation of grains, and a combination of differential imaging and thresholding for segmentation of the fluid phases. Our workflow enhances reproducibility by enabling other research groups to easily replicate and validate findings, fostering consistency in petrophysical property estimation. Moreover, its modular structure facilitates integration into modeling frameworks, allowing for forward-backward communication and parameter sensitivity analyses. We apply the workflow to exploring the sensitivity of the non-wetting phase volume, surface area, and connectivity to image processing. This adaptable tool paves the way for future advancements in X-ray micro-CT analysis of porous media.

Details

1009240
Identifier / keyword
Title
Python workflow for segmenting multiphase flow in porous rocks
Publication title
arXiv.org; Ithaca
Publication year
2024
Publication date
Dec 6, 2024
Section
Physics (Other)
Publisher
Cornell University Library, arXiv.org
Source
arXiv.org
Place of publication
Ithaca
Country of publication
United States
University/institution
Cornell University Library arXiv.org
e-ISSN
2331-8422
Source type
Working Paper
Language of publication
English
Document type
Working Paper
Publication history
 
 
Online publication date
2024-12-10
Milestone dates
2024-10-24 (Submission v1); 2024-12-06 (Submission v2)
Publication history
 
 
   First posting date
10 Dec 2024
ProQuest document ID
3120692386
Document URL
https://www.proquest.com/working-papers/python-workflow-segmenting-multiphase-flow-porous/docview/3120692386/se-2?accountid=208611
Full text outside of ProQuest
Copyright
© 2024. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.
Last updated
2024-12-11
Database
ProQuest One Academic