Keynote Talks Abstracts
Dr Santiago Drexler
Relative Permeability from Core Analysis Experiments – Advances in Numerical Interpretation
This presentation will discuss recent advancements in numerical methods for interpreting relative permeability from core analysis experiments. We will focus on techniques that enhance uncertainty quantification and experimental design to reduce uncertainty, thereby improving data reliability in core analysis.
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Dr Rodrigo Surmas
Advancing Reservoir Analysis: Applications of Digital Rock Physics in Relative Permeability Curve Challenges
The application of relative permeability curves in reservoir analysis often poses a critical challenge for engineers: which curve is the most representative for accurate production forecasting in the specific field being studied? This question emerges throughout the reservoir’s lifecycle, starting with early production decisions that involve selecting suitable analogs and defining criteria, and extending to data acquisition, where engineers must navigate issues such as sample selection, determining the necessary number of samples, managing high costs, and addressing significant uncertainties. Field-specific upscaling processes further complicate the ability to perform retrospective analyses and generalize best practices. As reservoirs mature, discrepancies frequently surface between laboratory-derived relative permeability (krel) curves and those obtained through history matching, raising fundamental questions about which aspects of laboratory data should be prioritized and preserved in production forecasting simulations. To address these challenges, Digital Rock Physics (DRP) has evolved significantly, expanding its scope to include cutting-edge applications such as numerical simulations, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven image analysis, and more. At Petrobras, DRP has become a cornerstone of reservoir analysis, with key applications in three major areas: sample characterization, determination of petrophysical properties through numerical simulations, and advanced image analysis using AI. This presentation will provide an in-depth exploration of these innovative DRP applications, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Special attention will be given to their current use in the oil and gas industry, laying the groundwork for their potential application in unconventional scenarios beyond traditional contexts, offering new insights into how these tools can shape the future of reservoir analysis.
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Dr Paulo Cesar Philippi
Lattice-Boltzmann models for immiscible fluids
The numerical simulation of multiphase flows in porous media based on the spatial and temporal discretization of the Fourier-Navier-Stokes equations has proven to be quite difficult and uncertain in the future. Indeed, in addition to the geometric complexity of the porous structure, the triple contact line between the phases constitutes a singularity that requires, in this approach, the support of models based on lubricating films of questionable validity to understand the phenomena arising from the interaction between the fluids and the porous surface. The same difficulties are encountered when trying to understand the dynamic phenomena due to the rupture, formation, and displacement of the interface between them: coalescence, bubbling of the invading phase within the resident phase, segregation, and nucleation. Lattice Boltzmann models (LBMs) for the study of immiscible flows were proposed in the early 1990s. These lmodels recover the Navier-Stokes equations with third-order errors in the macroscopic velocity and, for low Re and Ca flow problems, are quite interesting from a practical point of view given the hyperbolic basis of the computational algorithms, which does not have the drawbacks of simulation, e.g., by finite volumes of the Navier-Stokes equations, which are elliptic. The recognition of LB models as finite Hermite polynomial expansions of the kinetic equations has made it possible to relate the order of approximation of the LB equation to the set of velocities in discrete space and to separate the discretization problem from the problem of constructing the kinetic model. Indeed, the aim is to understand the influence of the underlying molecular physics on macroscopic phenomena that are apparent at the pore scale, and this requires fairly detailed models. The purpose of this work is to present the state of the art of kinetic-based models for the study of immiscible flows that take the phenomena related to the interface formation and dynamics into account. Particular attention will be paid to the phenomena of coalescence, segregation, and phase transition, as well as to detailed liquid-solid interaction models for the study of wettability.
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Dr Eduardo Gildin
Fast and Robust Data-driven surface and subsurface simulation for leveraging decarbonization efforts in the Oil & Gas Industry
Sustainable hydrocarbon production considering a decarbonization paradigm demands complex decision-support strategies involving fast risk assessment and optimal injection-production scheduling. At the core of these decisions is the prediction of reservoir performance, usually done by running computationally demanding complex simulators. As a fast substitute, physics-aware machine learning (ML) techniques have been used to endow data-driven proxy models with features closely related to the ones encountered in nature, especially conservation laws. They can lead to fast, reliable, and interpretable simulations used in many reservoir management workflows. In this talk, I will build upon our recently developed deep-learning-based reduced-order modeling framework for fast and reliable proxy for reservoir simulation, especially for C02 sequestration and storage. I will show advances in data-driven model reduction using Physics Informed Neural Nets (PINNs) to heterogeneous stratified saline aquifers, where CO2 migration is governed by highly discontinuous, multi-valued flux functions. I will also show examples of Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) and Operator Inference (OpInf).
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Dr Tannaz Pak
Design considerations for dynamic fluid flow in porous media experiments using X-ray computed micro tomography
Over the past decade, X-ray micro computed tomography (µCT) has emerged as a powerful, non-destructive technique for visualising and quantifying fluid flow in porous media at the micrometer scale. With improvements in both spatial and temporal resolution (driven by laboratory µCT systems and synchrotron facilities) µCT is now widely used to capture dynamic, multiphase flow processes in situ. A key enabler of these studies is the design of X-ray transparent flow cells that must balance experimental requirements with the constraints of imaging platforms. In this talk, I will review the evolution of flow cell design, highlighting trade-offs, technical challenges, and application-specific innovations. Drawing from our recent review and experimental insights, I will discuss how design choices impact imaging quality and data interpretation, and how µCT continues to push the frontiers of porous media research.
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Dr Veronica I. Marconi
Soils-on-a-chip: innovative tools for studying microconfined flagellar motility of soil bacteria used as biofertilizers.
Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens is a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of soybean, worldwide used as biofertilizer and 96% of farmers in our South America countries, says to use it. This soil bacterium possesses two flagellar systems enabling it to swim in water-saturated natural or artificial porous media. The motility in dark soil pores, which may be crucial for competitiveness for root nodulation, is difficult to be studied and predicted. To address this gap, we fabricated microfluidic devices with networks of connected microchannels surrounding grains. In them, we directly visualise bacterial behaviour i.e. in transparent soils-on-a-chip (SOCs). We measured the population motility for two strains: the wild-type and a mutant with only a subpolar flagellum. A detailed statistical analysis revealed that both strains exhibited reduced speeds and increased changes of direction of 180°, in channels of decreasing cross sectional area, down to a few microns in width. Interestingly, while the wild-type strain displayed faster swimming in unconfined spaces, this advantage was negated in the SOCs with the narrowest microchannels. We employed the measured motility parameters to propose a realistic model and simulate B. diazoefficiens confined dynamics being able to reproduce their behaviour, which additionally can be extended enabling further predictions for long time and macro scales. This multidisciplinary work (CommsBio2025), combining design, microfabrication, microbiology and modelling, offers useful methods to study soil bacteria and may be readily extended to other beneficial/harmful soil species. We hope that this interpore community can be inspired and can use this tool offered by microfluidics, generating spin-offs (PoFluids2025), collaborations among disciplines and applications.
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Dr Denis Voskov
Modeling and Experimental Insights into CO2 Sequestration in Depleted Fields
Subsurface reservoirs are used for various applications driving the energy transition towards zero-carbon energy. Making optimal use of subsurface reservoirs is a great challenge for society these days. CO2 capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) can play a significant role in reducing anthropogenic CO2 emissions while allowing society to phase out traditional energy sources. Depleted hydrocarbon fields are particularly well-suited for CO2 sequestration due to their well-documented storage capacity and integrity. Physics-based modeling is essential for effective planning and successful execution of CCUS operations. However, accurately modeling CCUS processes in depleted fields requires addressing complex physical phenomena at various scales.
The models used to represent these phenomena are computationally expensive and rely on uncertain reservoir parameters and imprecise input data, which complicates their accuracy. In this presentation, I will discuss our approach to study CCUS applications at different scales through lab experiments and simulation. I will introduce a unified modeling framework with a multiphase thermal-compositional formulation, designed to address a broad range of challenges associated with CO2 sequestration. Key experiments and modeling efforts related to CO2 sequestration in depleted fields, including the impact of Joule-Thompson cooling, salt precipitation, and hydrate formation, will also be presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of our approach in real-world applications.
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Dr Dachamir Hotza
Advanced porous systems from waste-derived geopolymers: processing, functionality and environmental impact
The increasing demand for sustainable materials in environmental and industrial applications has driven significant interest in geopolymers synthesized from industrial residues. These aluminosilicate-based materials not only present an opportunity to reduce CO₂ emissions but also enable the design of porous systems with tailored functionalities. In this lecture, I will present recent advances in the processing of waste-derived geopolymers for the development of highly porous structures, including monoliths and membranes, engineered through extrusion, additive manufacturing, and foaming techniques. Special emphasis will be placed on their physicochemical and textural properties, as well as on their performance in environmental applications such as acid mine drainage (AMD) remediation, gas filtration, and moisture buffering. I will also discuss the circular economy perspective of using mining, metallurgical, and construction wastes as precursors, evaluating the environmental impacts and benefits of such valorization routes. This integrative approach not only contributes to cleaner production but also opens new pathways for functional materials engineering based on sustainable principles.
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Dr Sebastião Lucena
Molecular simulation methods for H2 storage at multiple pore scale
Abstract soon…
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Dr Linda Luquot
Reactive transport processes in porous rock sample: role of local heterogeneities
The percolation of acidic fluids through natural rocks (e.g. CO2 storage, Karst formation, geothermal formation) induces chemical reactions of dissolution and/or precipitation, which consequently alter the structural and hydrodynamic properties of the rock. These reactions are not uniformly distributed but instead become localized based on various local parameters, such as fluid velocity heterogeneities, chemical or mineralogical composition, and petrophysical properties. Understanding the influence of these local heterogeneities is crucial for predicting the evolution of rock properties in natural and engineered systems.
This study presents laboratory experiments involving the percolation of reactive fluids through rock samples. The primary objective is to elucidate the role of local heterogeneities in governing reaction rates, the type of reactions occurring, their spatial localization, and the resultant impacts on structural and hydrodynamic properties. The experiments are designed to simulate natural conditions, allowing for controlled variations in fluid flow rates, chemical composition, and rock mineralogy.
Key findings from these experiments reveal that local variations in fluid velocity significantly influence the distribution and intensity of dissolution and precipitation reactions. Zones of higher fluid velocity tend to exhibit more pronounced dissolution due to increased fluid-rock interaction time and reactant supply. Conversely, areas with slower fluid movement often show precipitation as a result of reactant saturation and limited transport away from the reaction sites. Chemical composition and mineralogical heterogeneity further modulate the reactions. Petrophysical properties, such as porosity and permeability, also play a critical role. High-porosity regions facilitate fluid flow and enhance reaction rates, whereas low-porosity areas impede fluid movement, reducing reaction rates. These variations result in differential alterations in rock properties, creating a heterogeneous structure that affects overall permeability and fluid flow patterns.
The results underscore the complexity of fluid-rock interactions in heterogeneous systems. They highlight the importance of considering local heterogeneities when predicting the behavior of natural and engineered systems subjected to reactive fluid percolation. The insights gained from these laboratory experiments contribute to a better understanding of geological processes such as diagenesis, reservoir stimulation, and carbon sequestration, where fluid-rock interactions are crucial.
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Dr Mathias Steiner
Simulating carbon dioxide geologic storage at pore scale in digital rock
For mitigating climate change, scientific and technological progress in carbon dioxide capture and geologic storage is needed. The advancement requires efficient computational frameworks for simulating carbon dioxide injection and mineralization. In this presentation, I will discuss our team’s research in pore-scale assessment of geologic carbon dioxide storage. For creating high-accuracy capillary network representations based on micro-tomography data of reservoir rock plug samples, we have developed and tested a digital rock simulation environment [1]. Once a capillary network model of a rock sample is created, we perform series of flow simulations at realistic reservoir conditions. Specifically, we investigate how super-critical carbon dioxide is displacing brine and quantify the saturation levels in representative rock samples [2]. Finally, we perform computational experiments for tracking the modifications caused by carbon mineralization across the connected pore space, simultaneously within each of the thousands of connected capillaries with the digital rock [3]. We observe that the carbon mineralization gradually reduces the diameter of capillaries over time and causes the porosity and permeability of the rock to degrade. Depending on flow conditions, local mineralization sites can clog up critical flow pathways in the capillary network. As a result, a rock might not achieve its full geologic storage potential. For validation and reuse of our digital rock framework by the scientific community, we have made our rock data and the simulation code available in public repositories.
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Dr Nathaly Lopes Archilha
How to Access CNPEM’s Multi-User Facilities, Including the Sirius Synchrotron Light Source
The Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) is a multidisciplinary research center that operates four national laboratories, including Sirius, one of the most advanced synchrotron light sources in the world. CNPEM’s facilities are open to the scientific community through a peer-reviewed system that prioritizes scientific merit. The objective of this seminar is to clearly explain the access process and ensure researchers are fully prepared to engage with it. Participants will learn how to prepare strong proposals, understand the evaluation criteria, and align their research needs with the available techniques. By doing so, they can increase their chances of securing beamtime and make the most of CNPEM’s unique infrastructure.
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Dr Rodrigo Carlos Viana Coelho
Flow through time-evolving porous media
In several problems of interest, a fluid flows through a porous medium, modifying its structure. The dynamics of this fluid-structure interaction is a problem of practical interest that encompasses several fundamental questions in Soft Matter Physics related to complex flows, instabilities, and solute transport. In this presentation, we show how to account for different phenomena such as swelling, erosion, and dissolution in the fluid flow in porous media. We also extend the continuum
descriptions of the fluid flow in porous media and of the dispersion and dissolution of solute. We start by considering changes in the medium due to swelling and erosion, and extend existing pore-scale lattice Boltzmann models to include both. We analyse their competition and identify a transition between regimes where either swelling or erosion dominates. Next, we explore a continuum description for erosion and deposition that couples the velocity and porosity fields. The proposed model, based on the capillary model, is validated using pore-scale simulations. The simulation of media with mild spatial inequalities in porosity and erosion resistance is now possible. These inequalities over time get amplified, leading to the formation of main streamlines. We show that, even for uniform erosion resistance, a weak disorder in porosity suffices to trigger permanent channelisation. The same is observed with uneven erosion resistance. We finish with a continuum equation to model solute transport and dissolution, parametrised by the Péclet number and the rate of mass transfer between the solid and the fluid. We study the time dependence of the
extracted mass for different values of the parameter space. The continuum description is validated by combining extraction experiments with coffee and computational fluid dynamics. An analytical solution is derived for the limit of slow mass transfer, which is corroborated by numerical simulations.
