Interception of Particles & Electro-Osmotic Flow in Porous Media — Lesson 3

This lesson covers the concept of flow through porous media, focusing on the interception of fine particles in the porous medium. It explains the development of zeta potential when a solid surface comes in contact with an electrolyte and its significance in macro scale flow processes. The lesson also discusses the impact of electric double layer in porous medium, electroosmotic flow, and streaming potential. It further explores the effect of pH on zeta potential and surface charge per unit weight, and how these changes can lead to the dislodging of particles from the porous medium. The lesson concludes with an explanation of permeability reduction and the concept of plugging and non-plugging pathways.

Video Highlights

00:51 - Explanation of electroosmotic flow and streaming potential
03:31 - Effect of pH on zeta potential and surface charge
12:21 - Understanding permeability reduction
24:23 - Explanation of continuity equation for solid and fluid phase

Key Takeaways

- Zeta potential develops when a solid surface comes in contact with an electrolyte and can be measured.
- Electric double layer has significant impact in porous medium, especially in capillaries of dimensions 1 micrometer or less.
- Changes in pH can drastically affect the zeta potential and surface charge per unit weight, leading to the dislodging of particles from the porous medium.
- Permeability reduction can be rapid in plugging pathways and gradual in non-plugging pathways.
- Continuity equation can be used to understand the flow of solid and fluid phase in porous media.