High-order streamline simulation and macro-scale visualization experimental studies on waterflooding under given pressure boundaries

Abstract

In this paper, a new high-order streamline simulation method with a known pressure boundary is proposed. It extends the Riemann approach along streamlines from constant flow rate boundaries to given pressure boundaries. This method computes the varied flow resistance of streamtube directly by using the velocity and time-of-flight of its central streamline, and improves the simulation accuracy by applying a high-order streamline tracing method. Simultaneously, a series of macro-model visualization experiments are performed to study waterflooding processes under given pressure boundaries. The new streamline method is independently validated by history matching and direct modelling of the experiments. Finally, the capillary effects at the water front are quantified as a function of time and space with the assists of streamline simulations.