3D Coreflood Simulation With Inlet-Outlet Elements for Flow Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accuracy of reservoir simulation models used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes, such as those involving viscoelastic polymers, is limited by the complexity of coreflood experiments and the need for precise modeling of fluid flow and pressure drop across core plugs, which can impact the design and implementation of EOR operations.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to create a three-dimensional computer simulation model of a core plug, incorporating fluid introduction and extraction elements, to simulate fluid flow and pressure drop, using a computer-implemented reservoir simulator, allowing for heterogeneous distribution modeling and validation against experimental data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluid introduction and extraction elements are modeled in the three-dimensional computer simulation model, then the accuracy of reservoir simulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core plug is divided into multiple grid cells with varying properties to represent heterogeneous formation characteristics. This segmentation allows the model to capture spatial variations in fluid flow and pressure distribution while maintaining computational feasibility through systematic discretization of the domain.
Solution Approach 2:
Different grid cells are assigned different properties based on local formation characteristics. The model incorporates spatially varying permeability, porosity, and other formation parameters to accurately represent local heterogeneities in the core plug, enabling precise simulation of fluid flow patterns in different regions.
2Measurement precision
If heterogeneous core plug properties are modeled with varying grid cell properties, then the measurement precision of fluid flow distribution is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core plug domain is segmented into a three-dimensional grid of cells, where each cell can have distinct properties. This segmentation enables the model to represent heterogeneous formation characteristics while maintaining a structured computational framework that facilitates efficient numerical solution methods.
Solution Approach 2:
Each grid cell is assigned local properties such as permeability, porosity, and saturation based on formation heterogeneity. This local quality approach allows the model to capture spatial variations in fluid flow behavior without requiring excessive computational resources by using appropriate grid resolution and numerical methods.
3Loss of time
If symmetry is exploited to model only a segment of the core plug, then the computational time is reduced, but the modeling precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The model can accommodate asymmetric configurations by modeling the complete core plug geometry when symmetry cannot be assumed. This ensures that the simulation accurately represents the actual experimental setup and fluid flow patterns, even when the core plug or boundary conditions lack symmetry, at the cost of increased computational requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of EOR simulation models, improving the design of agent floods and ultimately increasing oil recovery by accurately modeling fluid flow and pressure dynamics, thereby optimizing field implementation.
Implementation Method 1
running a simulation using the three dimensional computer simulation model in a computer-implemented reservoir simulator to model distribution and fingering of fluid flow proximate one or more faces of the core plug, and in some embodiments, running the simulation includes modeling pressure drop across the core plug
Data Source
AI summary
A coreflood experiment may be modeled by generating a three dimensional computer simulation model of a core plug and modeling within the three dimensional computer simulation model one or both of a fluid introduction element or a fluid extraction element of a core holder used in the coreflood experiment. Once generated, the model may be loaded and used when running a simulation to model a heterogeneous distribution of fluid flow proximate one or more faces of the core plug.