Dual-scale insights of two-phase flow in inter-cleats based on microfluidics: Interface jumps and energy dissipation

• Local contact in cleats reduces absolute permeability and increases starting pressure, impacting two-phase flow. • Microfluidic experiments reveal interface jumps in methane-water flow due to porosity alterations from local contact. • Jumping events cause additional energy dissipation, leading to potential overestimation of relative permeability in traditional models. • A dual-scale observation technique captures both micro-scale interface morphology and mesoscale flow characteristics in cleat systems.