Review on physical and chemical factors affecting fines migration in porous media

Permeability reduction and formation damage in porous media caused by fines (defined as unconfined solid particles present in the pore spaces) migration is one of the major reasons for productivity decline. It is well accepted that particle detachment occurs under imbalanced torques arising from hydrodynamic and adhesive forces exerted on attached particles. This paper reviewed current understanding on primary factors influencing fines migration as well as mathematical formulations for quantification. We also introduced salinity-related experimental observations that contradict theoretical predictions based on torque balance criteria, such as delayed particle release and attachment-detachment hysteresis. The delay of particle release during low-salinity water injection was successfully explained and formulated by the Nernst-Planck diffusion of ions in a narrow contact area. In addition to the widely recognized explanation by surface heterogeneity and the presence of lowvelocity regions, we proposed a hypothesis that accounts for the shifting of equilibrium positions, providing new insight into the interpretation of elusive attachment-detachment hysteresis both physically and mathematically. The review was finalized by discussing the quantification of anomalous salinity effect on adhesion force at lowand high-salinity conditions.

Automated summary

Permeability reduction and formation damage caused by fines migration is a major reason for productivity decline. This paper reviews the primary factors influencing fines migration and the mathematical formulations for quantification. It also introduces experimental observations that contradict theoretical predictions, such as delayed particle release and attachment-detachment hysteresis. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the shifting of equilibrium positions, providing new insight into the interpretation of attachment-detachment hysteresis. The quantification of anomalous salinity effect on adhesion force is also discussed.