LangRes

Multi-Scale Numerical Modeling of Reactive Transport in Deeep Hydrothermal Systems

01/05/2026 to 30/04/2029

Geochemical reactions induce dynamic changes in rock properties at the pore scale, which subsequently alter flow regimes and heat transport at larger scales, thereby affecting the efficiency of heat extraction. The main goal of the project is to investigate these processes and quantify their impact on Darcy-scale fluid flow, reactive transport, and heat transfer in geothermal reservoirs. To achieve this, we will develop and apply pore- to core-scale numerical models that simulate the coupled Thermal-Hydraulic-Chemical (THC) processes in the subsurface. The developed pore-scale model will be validated using the experimental data provided by project partners. Furthermore, modified constitutive relationships (e.g., Kozeny-Carman relationship, heat transport coefficients, Archie’s law) will be derived from the pore-scale simulations to parameterize the core-scale THC model. The outcomes will provide a comprehensive understanding of how small-scale changes in rock properties, mediated by geochemical reactions, affect large-scale flow regimes and heat transport, thereby affecting the efficiency of geothermal energy extraction.