Modeling the Phase Transition Between Localized and Extended Deposition of Particles in Porous Media*

Improving filtration efficiencies and lifetime of filters relies on an accurate prediction of the progression of clogging in porous media. More specifically, we try to explore how system properties, such as the applied pressure and network structure, affect the deposition of colloidal particles in disordered packings of glass beads. Past experiments have shown that depending on the applied pressure across such systems, we may expect either localized deposition (at lower pressure) or extended deposition (at higher pressure). We develop a mathematical model and use agent-based simulations to capture the results previously observed in experiments. To do so, we apply previously formulated deposition and erosion laws that lead to these two different behaviors and discuss the existence of a phase transition theoretically.