INVESTIGATION OF FLUID FLOW IN POROUS MEDIA AND ITS APPLICATION IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING.
ABSTRACT
The behavior of fluid flow within porous media remains a cornerstone of study in the realm of petroleum engineering. This research delves into the fundamental principles governing fluid dynamics within subsurface rock formations, emphasizing their implications for hydrocarbon extraction. Starting with the seminal Darcy’s Law, the investigation navigates through the intricacies of porosity, permeability, and fluid-rock interactions, all of which dictate reservoir behavior. Advanced reservoir simulations, grounded in these principles, enable the Hiprediction of reservoir lifespan and yield. Furthermore, this study underscores the significance of understanding these dynamics in the modern era of unconventional reservoirs, where conventional fluid flow principles often encounter complexities. With the petroleum industry’s shift towards such reservoirs, the importance of refining our knowledge, backed by computational tools and real-world data, becomes paramount. This research not only offers insights into fluid flow behavior but also paves the way for more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious hydrocarbon extraction methodologies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ii
CERTIFICATION iii
DEDICATION iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT v
ABSTRACT vi
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study 1
1.2 Motivation of the study 2
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study 3
1.4 Scope of the Study 3
1.5 Method of Approach 4
1.6 Basic Concept 4
1.6.1 Nature of porous media 4
1.6.2 Fluid flow dynamics 5
1.6.3 Types of fluids 5
1.6.4 Driving forces for fluid movement 5
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Fundamentals of Fluid Flow in Porous Media 6
2.1.1 Darcy's law and permeability 6
2.1.2 Porosity 7
2.1.3 Saturation 7
2.1.4 Capillary pressure 8
2.2 Applications in Petroleum Engineering 9
2.2.1 Reservoir characterization 9
2.3 Fluid Flow Behavior in Different Rock Types 10
2.3.1 Sandstone Reservoirs 11
2.3.2 Carbonate reservoirs 11
2.3.3 Shale formations 12
2.3.4 Unconventional reservoirs 12
2.4 Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) Techniques 13
2.4.1 Water flooding 13
2.4.2 Gas injection 13
2.4.3 Chemical flooding 14
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Overview 15
3.2 Using Laplace Transform Method 15
3.3 Using He-Laplace Method 17
CHAPTER FOUR 20
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS 20
4.1 Introduction 20
4.2 Analysis 20
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary 28
5.2 Conclusion 28
5.3 Recommendations 29
REFERENCES 30
APPENDICES 31
Appendix 1: Code for the Variation of velocity with time. 31
Appendix 2: Variation of skin friction for (T0=0). 31
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This chapter will discuss the background of the study, motivation of the study, research aims and objectives, scope of the study and method of approach.
1.1 Background of the study
The study of fluid dynamics within porous media forms the foundation of numerous applications in engineering and environmental science. The complexity of the interactions between fluids and porous materials, especially in subsurface environments, has many interested researchers, leading to advancements in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field.
Porous media refer to materials composed of a solid framework interspersed with spaces or pores. These pores, often filled with fluids, create a complex interaction of solid-fluid interactions. When subjected to differential pressures, these fluids move or flow, following principles that have been the subject of scientific investigation for many decades. Porous media are widespread in nature, characterized by a solid matrix penetrated by interconnected voids or pores. These pores can be filled with fluids such as water, oil, or gas. The nature and structure of these pores, along with the characteristics of the fluids they contain, play a crucial role in determining how these fluids move or behave under various conditions. The movement of oil and gas in subsurface reservoirs, primarily porous rock formations, determines how efficiently these resources can be extracted. In the realm of petroleum engineering, understanding fluid flow in porous media is pivotal.
Reservoirs are inherently heterogeneous, with variations in porosity, permeability, and fluid saturations. Understanding these variables and their interplay determines the success of recovery strategies, reservoir management, and by extension, the economic viability of extraction operations. The field of petroleum engineering has always been tightly intertwined with the principles of fluid flow in porous media. Traditional reservoirs often having higher permeabilities, allowed for relatively predictable fluid flow. However, as these conventional sources began to deplete, the industry’s attention shifted to more complex, unconventional reservoirs like tight rocks, shales, and tar sands. These reservoirs, characterized by their low permeability, presented unique challenges and made the understanding of fluid flow even more critical. This research aims to explore the behavior of fluids in porous media and its implications in petroleum engineering.
1.2 Motivations of the study
i. environmental considerations: With increasing global emphasis on environmental preservation, there’s an urgent need to minimize wasteful practices and environmental hazards in petroleum extraction. Understanding fluid flow aids in the efficient design of EOR techniques, potentially reducing water usage, minimizing carbon dioxide emissions, and lessening the ecological footprint of oil and gas operations.
ii. academic and research enrichment: From an academic perspective, the study of fluid flow in porous media contributes to the enrichment of scientific knowledge. It bridges theoretical principles with real-world applications, fostering innovation and training future generations of petroleum engineers and geoscientists.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the project work is to investigate the fluid flow in porous media and its application in petroleum engineering.
The objectives of this study are as follows:
i. to investigate the fundamental principles governing fluid flow in porous media (including Darcy’s law), permeability, and porosity.
ii. to provide insights and recommendations for improving reservoir performance and enhancing oil recovery techniques.
1.4 Scope of the Study
This research will focus on the investigation of fluid flow in porous media with a specific emphasis on its application in petroleum engineering. The scope will include both theoretical analysis and practical applications.
The theoretical aspects will involve a thorough literature review of the fundamental principles of fluid flow in porous media. It will explore established theories and equations, and examine the effect of rock properties on fluid flow behavior.
The practical aspect of the study will include experimental analysis and/or numerical simulations to understand fluid behavior in different porous media scenarios. It will also involve case studies of real-world applications in the petroleum industry, highlighting the significance of fluid flow studies in reservoir management and optimization.
1.5 Method of Approach
To achieve the research objectives, these systematic approaches will be adopted:
i. conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand the existing theories and research related to fluid flow in porous media and its applications in petroleum engineering.
ii. analyze the data collected and discuss the result in the context of petroleum engineering applications.
iii. discuss the results in the context of petroleum engineering applications and draw insights for reservoir management and optimization.
The study will adhere to scientific method and follow standard practices in data analysis and interpretation.
1.6 Basic Concept
1.6.1 Nature of porous media
i. porous media: These are materials that have pores or spaces within them. Rocks, especially those found deep within the Earth’s crust where oil and gas accumulate, are prime examples.
ii. microscopic perspective: On a microscale, porous media consist of a complex network of interconnected channels (pores). These channels’ size, shape, and distribution profoundly influence fluid flow characteristics.
iii. macroscopic perspective: From a larger viewpoint, the rock can be seen as a continuum with averaged properties like porosity and permeability (a measure of how easily fluids can flow through the rock).
1.6.2 Fluid flow dynamics
Fluids move through the interconnected pores within rocks under the influence of various forces. The basic law governing this movement is Darcy’s Law, which relates the flow rate of a fluid through a porous medium to the pressure difference driving the flow and the medium’s resistance.
1.6.3 Types of fluids
i. single-phase flow: This involves just one fluid type, like oil, water, or gas, moving through the porous medium.
ii. multiphase flow: This is the coexistence of multiple fluids (like oil and water) in a reservoir.
1.6.4 Driving forces for fluid movement
i. pressure gradients: Fluids typically move from regions of high pressure to low pressure. The difference in pressure over a distance, termed the pressure gradient, primarily drives fluid flow in reservoirs.
ii. capillary action: In porous media, especially in tight formations or small pores, capillary forces can dominate, drawing fluids into the pores.
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