A machine vision system for quantifying velocity fields in complex rock models

Abstracts In this paper we describe a machine vision system capable of high-resolution measurement of fluid velocity fields in complex 2D models of rock, providing essential data for the validation of the numerical models which are widely applied in the oil and petroleum industries. Digital models, incorporating the properties of real rock, are first generated, then physically replicated as layers of resin or aluminium (200 mm * 200 mm) encapsulated between transparent plates as a flowcell. This configuration enables the geometry to be permeated with fluid and fluid motion visualised using particle image velocimetry. Fluid velocity fields are then computed using well-tested cross-correlation techniques.