Analysis of permeability for transient two-phase flow in fractal porous media

Abstract

A relative permeability model for transient two-phase flow in fractal porous media is derived based on the fractal characteristics of pore size distribution and the assumption that porous media consists of capillary bundles. The functions in this model are tortuosity fractal dimension, pore fractal dimension, and maximum and minimum pore diameters. Every parameter has clear physical meaning without the use of empirical constants. Good agreement between model predictions and experimental data is obtained, the sensitive parameters that influence the relative permeability are specified and their effects on relative permeability are discussed.