HR: 1340h
AN: H33H-1728    [Abstracts]
TI: Pore Scale Simulation of Multiphase Flow using Finite Element Finite Volume Unstructured Mesh Discretization
AU: * Akanji, L
EM: l.akanji06@imperial.ac.uk
AF: Institute of Petroleum Studies, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ,
AU: Matthai, S
AF: Institute of Petroleum Studies, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ,
AB: ABSTRACT A full knowledge of the relationship between multiphase flow and pore geometry properties at pore scale will allow a detailed and accurate description of fluid flow on the larger scale using appropriate partial differential equations. However, these constitutive relationships; which are a direct consequence of the complicated geometry of the pore space, are not usually derived from the detailed representation of the pore space but from experiment. The intent of this article is to describe a first principle based numerical simulation method for deriving constitutive relationships governing fluid flow in porous media. The methodology is based on computational fluid dynamics using a finite-element finite-volume (FEMFV) unstructured mesh discretization of the pore geometry; finely resolving individual pores. Steady – state, viscous, laminar flow simulations - using the Reynolds lubrication equation; a simplified form of Navier – Stokes equation for Newtonian fluids, were carried out and benchmarked against the analytical solution. The benchmarked model was subsequently used to compute the integral properties – saturation, capillary pressure, relative permeabilities, pore velocity etc - of multiphase flow. Monitoring of the capillary pressure – saturation relationship within the pores reveals a unique integral curve which can be rationalized in terms of bubbles emerging from the pore throats to the pores and the velocity pattern within the pores shows a stair-step parabolic profile. The relative permeability curves that correspond to these flows are a by-product of the simulations. Expectedly, the porous medium follows a Brooks Corey pattern. Key words: capillary pressure, saturation, pore velocity, relative permeability, channel flow, numerical simulation
DE: 5114 Permeability and porosity
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2007 Fall Meeting