3D Printed Pore Model for Multiphase Fluid Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current displacement experimental systems fail to accurately simulate the complex pore structure of heterogeneous oil reservoirs, leading to inaccurate experimental results due to the simplicity of 3D printing models and inability to replicate the high viscosity differences between fluids, which are crucial for improving oil recovery in low-permeability zones.
Innovation Solution
A visualization system for multiphase fluid displacement experiments with large viscosity differences, featuring a 3D printed complex pore model with varying permeability zones, an injection pump assembly, and an image acquisition device, allowing for the injection of fluids with different viscosities and real-time visualization of fluid flow within the model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a 3D printing model is used to simulate pore structure, then the visualization capability is improved, but the accuracy of simulating complex pore structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different pore structure regions within the 3D printed model to represent high-permeability and low-permeability zones. The model incorporates specific pore distribution patterns, pore size variations, and connectivity differences in different spatial locations to accurately simulate the heterogeneous pore structure of real reservoirs, thereby resolving the contradiction between visualization capability and simulation accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a simple pore structure model is used, then the ease of experiment is improved, but the reliability of experimental results is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pore structure model into multiple functional zones with distinct permeability characteristics. The 3D printed model divides the pore space into high-permeability regions and low-permeability regions, each with specific pore connectivity and distribution patterns. This segmentation enables the model to simulate complex reservoir heterogeneity while maintaining experimental feasibility through controlled pore structure design.
3Reliability
If multiphase fluids with large viscosity difference are injected, then the simulation of oil recovery process is improved, but the difficulty of fluid injection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the viscosity parameters of the injected fluids to simulate different oil recovery conditions. The experiment uses fluids with controlled viscosity ratios (e.g., 1:10, 1:100) to represent different phases and reservoir conditions. By adjusting viscosity parameters while maintaining other flow characteristics, the system achieves reliable simulation of multiphase displacement processes.
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 system enables accurate, quick, and economical simulation of fluid displacement in complex pore structures with varying permeability, allowing for the observation and analysis of fluid penetration and seepage, thereby improving the reliability of oil recovery simulations.
Implementation Method 1
multiphase fluids displacement experiment with large viscosity difference
Implementation Method 2
displacement experiment of multiphase fluids
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum pressure device is configured to provide a vacuum environment so that a displaced fluid medium is injected into the complex pore structure
Implementation Method 4
the image acquisition device is configured to capture an experimental image inside the visualization complex pore model in a displacement process in real time
Implementation Method 5
the visualization complex pore model includes an inlet and an outlet, and an interior includes at least two parts of a complex pore structure, and the permeability of each part of the complex pore structure is different
Implementation Method 6
allowing for the injection of fluids with different viscosities and real-time visualization of fluid flow within the model
Data Source
AI summary
A visualization system and method for a multiphase fluids displacement seepage experiment with large viscosity difference in a complex pore structure. The visualization system includes: an injection pump assembly, a visualized complex pore model, a vacuum pressure pump and an image acquisition device; the system and method are printed by a 3D printing device to form the visualized complex pore model with at least two permeability, and displacement fluid mediums of different viscosities are injected into the visualized complex pore model through different injection pumps during an experiment, so that not only is the penetration of the same viscosity in the complex pore structure with different permeability observed, but also the displacement and plugging effect of different viscosities successively entering the complex pore structure with different permeability is realized.