Chapter 3 - Multiphase Flow Concepts

Abstract

This chapter deals with the multiphase flow concepts. This chapter illustrates the concept that are needed to understand multiphase flow. They include interfacial tension, wettability, and contact angle. These concepts lead naturally to a discussion of capillary pressure, mobility, and fractional flow. Moreover, the chapter defines and applies the concepts of interfacial tension, wettability, and contact angle describe the behavior of two or more phases in relation to one another. Interfacial tension is energy per unit of surface area, or force per unit length. The units of IFT are typically expressed in milli-Newtons per meter or the equivalent dynes per centimeter. Wettability can be defined as the ability of a fluid phase to wet a solid surface preferentially in the presence of a second immiscible phase. The wetting, or wettability, condition in a rock/fluid system depends on IFT. Finally, the contact angle is always measured through the denser phase and is related to interfacial energies.