A combined numerical-experimental approach to study sub-grid transport processes in real 3D carbonate rocks

Sebastian Geiger, Claudia Fricke, Karen Sophie Schmid, Yan Zaretskiy, I. Butler, S. Elphick, Kenneth Stuart Sorbie, Marinus Izaak Jan Van Dijke

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We have developed a new finite element - finite volume based simulation approach to study flow and transport processes at sub-grid scales, i.e. at scales below the typical size of a reservoir simulation grid block, using real 3D geometries in carbonate reservoirs. We complement the simulations by high-resolution X-Ray CT experiments which provide us with the 3D structures, allow us to visualise flow processes at the core-scale in real time, and help us to compare the observed processes to numerical simulations to validate and verify the latter. We use this combined numerical-experimental approach to analyse the fundamental processes controlling fluid flow in carbonates at sub-grid scales. Results can be incorporated in existing reservoir simulation workflows to increase the confidence in reservoir performance forecasting. We show applications related to fractured carbonate reservoirs and enhanced oil recovery processes due to injection of low-salinity fluids and hot water. © 2010, Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 72nd European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers Conference and Exhibition 2010 - Incorporating SPE EUROPEC 2010
Pages2965-2969
Number of pages5
Volume4
Publication statusPublished - 2010
EventSPE Europec/72nd EAGE Conference and Exhibition - Barcelona, Spain
Duration: 14 Jun 201017 Jun 2010

Conference

ConferenceSPE Europec/72nd EAGE Conference and Exhibition
Country/TerritorySpain
CityBarcelona
Period14/06/1017/06/10

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