Abstract
Time-resolved synchrotron x-ray microtomography combined with pressure measurements during two-phase displacement in porous media identifies three flow regimes. Intermittent occupancy creates temporary high-conductivity connections, leading to a power-law trend of pressure gradient with flow rate.
Highlights
For phase p. krp is the relative permeability, μp is the fluid viscosity, Pp is the pressure, and ρp is the fluid density for phase p. g is the acceleration due to gravity, while K is the absolute permeability. qp is the Darcy flux defined as the volume of fluid phase p flowing per unit area per unit time
We theoretically examine the effect of flow rate, captured by the balance of viscous to capillary forces, using a capillary number, defined here as Ca = μqt /σ where μ is the average viscosity of the two fluids, σ is the interfacial tension between water and oil in what follows (σ is the interfacial energy per unit area of the fluid-fluid interface)
We have studied the relationship between flow rate and pressure gradient for the simultaneous flow of oil and water of similar viscosity through a small sandstone sample
Summary
For phase p. krp is the relative permeability, μp is the fluid viscosity, Pp is the pressure, and ρp is the fluid density for phase p. g is the acceleration due to gravity, while K is the absolute permeability. qp is the Darcy flux defined as the volume of fluid phase p flowing per unit area per unit time. In this paper we will consider one example of multiphase flow: the simultaneous flow of two fluid phases, oil, o, and water, w, of similar viscosity through a porous rock at steady state as the flow rate is increased. We theoretically examine the effect of flow rate, captured by the balance of viscous to capillary forces, using a capillary number, defined here as Ca = μqt /σ where μ is the average viscosity of the two fluids, σ is the interfacial tension between water and oil in what follows (σ is the interfacial energy per unit area of the fluid-fluid interface). This paper aims to study the relationship between flow rate, pressure gradient and pore-scale fluid occupancy using synchrotron x-ray imaging with a high spatial and temporal resolution.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
