Homogenizing fluid transport in stratified porous media using an elastic flow instability

Many key environmental, industrial and energy processes rely on controlling fluid transport within subsurface porous media. These media are typically structurally heterogeneous, often with vertically layered strata of distinct permeabilities - leading to uneven partitioning of flow across strata, which can be undesirable. Here, using direct in situ visualization, we demonstrate that polymer additives can homogenize this flow by inducing a purely elastic flow instability that generates random spatio-temporal fluctuations and excess flow resistance in individual strata. In particular, we find that this instability arises at smaller imposed flow rates in higher-permeability strata, diverting flow towards lower-permeability strata and helping to homogenize the flow. Guided by the experiments, we develop a parallel-resistor model that quantitatively predicts the flow rate at which this homogenization is optimized for a given stratified medium. Thus, our work provides a new approach to homogenizing fluid and passive scalar transport in heterogeneous porous media.

Automated summary

Many processes in environmental, industrial, and energy fields rely on controlling fluid transport in subsurface porous media. Using direct visualization, we show that polymer additives can homogenize flow by inducing elastic flow instability, resulting in random fluctuations and excess flow resistance in individual strata. This instability occurs at lower flow rates in higher-permeability strata, diverting flow towards lower-permeability strata and promoting flow homogenization. Based on the experiments, we develop a model that quantitatively predicts the optimal flow rate for homogenization in a given stratified medium. Our work offers a new approach to homogenizing fluid and passive scalar transport in heterogeneous porous media.