Method for simulating fractional multi-phase/multi-component flow through porous media
US9183326B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2111/10
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for computing or estimating fractional, multi-phase/multi-component flow through a porous medium employing a 3D digital representation of a porous medium and a computational fluid dynamics method to calculate flow rates, pressures, saturations, internal velocity vectors and other flow parameters is described. The method employs a unique method of introducing non-wetting and wetting fluids into the pores at the inlet face of the 3D digital representation of a porous medium and a novel process control application to achieve quasi-steady state flow at low inlet concentrations of non-wetting fluid. In addition, the method of the present invention reduces the time required to simulate to complete the fluid dynamic calculations. The resulting values of flow of non-wetting fluid, wetting fluid, saturation, and other parameters are used to generate plots of relative permeability imbibition and drainage curves. Computerized systems and programs for performing the method are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.