Comparisons of empirical viscous-fingering models and their calibration for heterogeneous problems

Journal Article · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reservoir Engineering; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/22184-PA· OSTI ID:5289023

Fayers, F J; Blunt, M J; Christie, M A ^[1]

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1. BP Research Center (GB)

This paper reviews the formulation and parameters for three principal empirical viscous-fingering models: the Kovl, Todd and Longstaff, and Fayers methods. All three methods give similar levels of accuracy when compared with linear homogeneous experiments, but they differ in performance in 2D applications. This arises from differences in the formulation of the total mobility terms. The superiority of the Todd and Longstaff and Fayers methods is demonstrated for 2D and gravity-influenced flows by comparison with experiments and high-resolution simulation. The use of high-resolution simulation to calibrate empirical models in a systematic manner is described. Results from detailed simulation demonstrate the sensitivity of empirical model parameters to viscous/gravity ratio, recovery process (secondary, tertiary, or water-alternating-gas (WAG)), and geological heterogeneity. For large amplitude heterogeneities with short correlation lengths, the accuracy of the empirical models is shown to be less satisfactory, but improved by the addition of a diffusive term.

• OSTI ID: 5289023
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reservoir Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Reservoir Engineering; (United States) Vol. 7:2; ISSN SREEE; ISSN 0885-9248
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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FLOW MODELS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FLUIDS
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VISCOUS FLOW
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WELLS