Visualization and simulation of immiscible displacement in fractured systems using micromodels: 1, Drainage

Technical Report · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10169556· OSTI ID:10169556

Haghighi, M; Xu, B; Yortsos, Y C

We consider drainage processes in model geometries that represent a matrix block-fracture system. Flow visualization in etched glass micromodels was carried out for various pairs of fluids, injection rates (capillary numbers) and viscosity ratio values. The experiments were then modeled with the use of a pore network simulator based on meniscus displacement. It was found that displacement occurs only in the fracture as long as the flow rate is below a critical value. Invasion of the matrix block occurs after this critical value (capillary number threshold) is exceeded. Numerical and experimental results were compared and found in good agreement. A theory for the invasion process and the critical capillary number was then developed. Displacement efficiencies were evaluated as a function of the capillary number and the mobility ratio. The process is reminiscent of a capillary pressure-saturation curve, with the notable exception that the role of capillary pressure is here played by the capillary number, and that the process is dynamic rather than quasi-static. Finally, effective relative permeabilities for the matrix-fracture system were calculated. Contrary to homogeneous systems, these curves depend on the mobility ratio.

• Research Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG22-90BC14600
• OSTI ID: 10169556
• Report Number(s): DOE/BC/14600--48; ON: DE93000146
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300
BENCH-SCALE EXPERIMENTS
DRAINAGE
DRILLING AND PRODUCTION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FLOW VISUALIZATION
FLUID INJECTION
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GLASS
KEROSENE
PERMEABILITY
SIMULATION
THEORETICAL DATA
WATER
WETTABILITY