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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

gravity, flow of oil, water, porous beds

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Abstract

Computerized simulation of the flow in underground petroleum reservoirs is widely used by oil companies to optimize the production of oil and gas. Such simulations are known in the Industry as “reservoir simulation”. They are based on Darcy’s Law, smoothly varying flow potentials, and the assumption that all phases move uniformly through the pore spaces. It seems possible that at low flow rates, such as those resulting when gravitational forces predominate, a different mechanism applies. The more dense phases may move downward in some pores, while the lighter fluids move upward through others. This would result in much more rapid phase velocities than predicted by traditional reservoir simulations. Segregation of the phases when wells are shut in or when well rates are reduced would be in error and optimal reservoir management would not be achieved. The purpose of this research is to understand the mechanism of gravity induced, counter-current flow of oil and water in reservoirs. Thus, this research is an experimental study of the patterns of oil and water movement in water wetted glass beads, an environment approximating natural oil reservoirs.

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