Modelling foam improved oil recovery: towards a formulation of pressure-driven growth with flow reversal.

ABSTRACT: The pressure-driven growth model that describes the two-dimensional (2-D) propagation of a foam through an oil reservoir is considered as a model for surfactant-alternating-gas improved oil recovery. The model assumes a region of low mobility, finely textured foam at the foam front where injected gas meets liquid. The net pressure driving the foam is assumed to reduce suddenly at a specific time. Parts of the foam front, deep down near the bottom of the front, must then backtrack, reversing their flow direction. Equations for one-dimensional fractional flow, underlying 2-D pressure-driven growth, are solved via the method of characteristics. In a diagram of position versus time, the backtracking front has a complex double fan structure, with two distinct characteristic fans interacting. On

SUBMITTER: Eneotu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7776983 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature