Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Fines Migration Mechanisms in Porous Media: Implications for Marine Gas Hydrate Production

Fines migration and clogging in porous media have significant implications for engineering applications. For example, during the extraction of marine gas hydrates, fines migration can lead to pore clogging and reduced permeability. This study combines micromodel experiments with DEM-CFD simulations to investigate the effects of fine type (latex/mica), fine shape (spherical/flake), pore size (50 to 700 μm), and pore fluid composition (DW/brine) on fines migration, fine clogging behavior, and the evolution of host sediment porosity. Experiments demonstrate that clogging is geometrically influenced by the relationship between pore size and fines dimensions. Even when the size of fines (mica) is smaller than the pore throat size, their aggregates can still lead to clogging at very low concentrations (0.1–0.2%). The aggregate size of irregular mica is affected by changes in pore fluid properties, which may occur due to the freshening of pore water during hydrate dissociation. Furthermore, a moving gas/liquid interface concentrates fines, thereby increasing the risk of pore clogging. Simulations further reveal that fines migration causes dynamic changes in porosity, which requires a comprehensive consideration of the coupled effects of fine type, fluid velocity, pore size, and fluid chemistry. This study elucidates the microscopic mechanisms and quantifies the macroscopic effects of fines migration behavior in porous media, providing a theoretical foundation for further research.