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

Journal Article · Mon Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.1994.1283· OSTI ID:7194129

Haghighi, M; Xu, B; Yortsos, Y C ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (United States). Dept. of Chemical Engineering

The authors 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. It was found that for a flow rate below a critical value (capillary number threshold) displacement occurs only in the fracture, with matrix invasion occurring after the critical value is exceeded. The experiments were modeled with the use of a pore network simulator based on meniscus displacement. Numerical and experimental results were compared and found to be in good agreement. A theory for the critical capillary number and the invasion process was subsequently developed. The process shares many of the features of invasion in homogeneous systems, with the notable exceptions that the role of capillary pressure is played here by the capillary number, and that the process is dynamic rather than quasi-static. Effective relative permeabilities for the matrix-fracture system were also calculated. Contrary to homogeneous systems, these curves depend on the mobility ratio. The results find application to fractured systems or to systems containing high permeability streaks.

• DOE Contract Number: FG22-90BC14600
• OSTI ID: 7194129
• Journal Information: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Colloid and Interface Science; (United States) Vol. 166:1; ISSN 0021-9797; ISSN JCISA5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
ANALOG SYSTEMS
CAPILLARY FLOW
DRAINAGE
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
SIMULATORS