We characterize the two media in terms of porosity, tortuosity and pore size distribution using the A* algorithm and CFD simulation. In particular, we compare two different designs: a regular grid and a real rock-like pattern reconstructed from a thin section of a sample of Hostun rock. In this work we design, fabricate and test two different micromodels for the visualization and analysis of the gas-brine fluid flow, occurring during gas injection and withdrawal in underground storage systems. Moreover, microfluidic patterns (also called micromodels) can be specifically designed according to research interests by tuning their geometrical features and surface properties. Microfluidic devices are transparent and synthetic tools that reproduce the porous network on a 2D plane, enabling the direct visualization of the fluid dynamics. As a consequence, the understanding of micro-scale behavior is based on the interpretation of macro-scale parameters and indirect measurements.

However, because of the optical opacity and the geometrical complexity of natural porous media, detailed visual characterization is not possible or is limited and requires powerful and expensive imaging techniques. The understanding of multiphase flow phenomena occurring in porous media at the pore scale is fundamental in a significant number of fields, from life science to geo and environmental engineering.

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