Waterflood prediction methods. Pt. 4. Here's how to deal with the displacement mechanism

Journal Article · Mon Apr 08 04:00:00 EST 1968 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6177873

Schoeppel, R J

This is a critical review of the Buckley-Leverett waterflood-prediction method and its modifications. Buckley and Leverett used material-balance principles to develop an equation similar to the continuity equation for 2-phase fluid flow into and out of a linear differential reservoir element. By allowing an accumulation of the displacing fluid within the element, use of fractional-flow concepts, and neglecting capillarity and gravity effects, the Buckley-Leverett approach permits the calculation of fluid distributions throughout a linear section of the reservoir. This method predicts the existence of a variable-saturation flood front, whose movement with time through the reservoir can be obtained from material balance on the input well performance. Relative permeabilities to oil and water and their respective viscosities are assumed to be the controlling variables. Residual gas saturation in the differential element is assumed to be zero. The assumption of reservoir linearity limits the application of this method for predicting waterflooding performance. (18 refs.)

• Research Organization: Oklahoma State Univ
• OSTI ID: 6177873
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 66:15; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
EQUATIONS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FORECASTING
MATERIAL BALANCE
OIL WELLS
PERFORMANCE
PERMEABILITY
TWO-PHASE FLOW
VISCOSITY
WATERFLOODING
WELLS