A Proposed Dynamic Model for Foamy Oil Properties

Abstract

Abstract To simulate foamy oil flow, it is first important to calculate foamy oil properties properly. Several previous investigators have made such an effort. However, their approaches do not account for the time (or rate) dependent changes in foamy oil characteristics. This paper proposes a methodology for including the dynamic processes in the calculation of foamy oil properties, using molar variables. The issues of bubble nucleation, growth and decay are also reviewed and discussed. The basic foundation of this model rests on the theoretical results and experimental observations of nucleation, bubble growth and decay. The model is verified by matching the calculated results with experimental data. The results calculated from this model show how the foamy oil properties vary with pressure and time. The non-equilibrium processes of both bubble growth and decay are important for the calculation of foamy oil properties. However, the rate of decay for the entrained gas is most significant in foamy oil flow. This method of calculating foamy oil properties provides the basics for developing numerical simulation models of foamy oil flow. The results from this model may also be useful for well testing analysis in foamy oil reservoirs.