Fluid flow and solute transport in a network of channels

Abstract A new model to describe flow and transort in fractured rocks is proposed. It is based on the concept of a network of channels. The individual channel members are given stochastically selected conductances and volumes. Flow-rate calculations have been performed. For large standard deviations in conductances, channeling becomes pronounced with most of the water flowing in a few paths. The effluent patterns and flow-rate distributions obtained in the simulations have been compared to three field measurements in drifts and tunnels of flow-rate distributions. Standard deviations of channel conductances were between 1.6 and ⪖2.4 in some cases. A particle-following technique was used to simulate solute transport in the network. Non-sorbing as well as sorbing solute transport can be simulated. By using a special technique, solutes that diffuse into the rock matrix can also be simulated.

[1]  Emmanuel Ledoux,et al.  Modeling fracture flow with a stochastic discrete fracture network: Calibration and validation: 2. The transport model , 1990 .

[2]  G. Marsily,et al.  Modeling fracture flow with a stochastic discrete fracture network: calibration and validation: 1. The flow model , 1990 .

[3]  Ivars Neretnieks,et al.  Diffusion in the rock matrix: An important factor in radionuclide retardation? , 1980 .

[4]  H. Kimura,et al.  Particle-tracking technique for nuclide decay chain transport in fractured porous media. , 1990 .

[5]  Björn Dverstorp,et al.  Application of the discrete fracture network concept with field data: Possibilities of model calibration and validation , 1989 .

[6]  C. Axness,et al.  Three‐dimensional stochastic analysis of macrodispersion in aquifers , 1983 .

[7]  Ivars Neretnieks,et al.  A Large-Scale Flow and Tracer Experiment in Granite: 1. Experimental Design and Flow Distribution , 1991 .

[8]  O. Levenspiel.  Chemical Reaction Engineering , 1972 .

[9]  S. P. Neuman,et al.  Stochastic theory of field‐scale fickian dispersion in anisotropic porous media , 1987 .

[10]  Y. Tsang,et al.  Some anomalous features of flow and solute transport arising from fracture aperture variability , 1990 .

[11]  Ivars Neretnieks,et al.  A Large-Scale Flow and Tracer Experiment in Granite: 2. Results and Interpretation , 1991 .

[12]  Peter Clive. Robinson,et al.  Connectivity, flow and transport in network models of fractured media , 1984 .

[13]  Chin-Fu Tsang,et al.  Flow and tracer transport in a single fracture: A stochastic model and its relation to some field observations , 1988 .

[14]  Kenzi Karasaki,et al.  Preliminary prediction of inflow into the D-holes at the Stripa Mine , 1990 .

[15]  J. C. Jaeger,et al.  Conduction of Heat in Solids , 1952 .