Modeling wetting-phase relative permeability hysteresis based on subphase evolution
Open access
Date
2017-12Type
- Journal Article
Abstract
A recently introduced subphase framework for modeling the nonwetting phase relative permeability is extended to the wetting phase. Within this framework, the wetting phase is divided into four subphases, which are distinguished by their connectivity; backbone, dendritic, isolated and corner-film subphases. The subphase saturations evolve according to inter-subphase volume transfer terms, which require modeling. An advantage of distinguishing the subphases is that wetting phase relative permeability relations as functions of these constituent subphases can be developed. In order to develop models for the inter-subphase volume transfer and the wetting phase relative permeability in a strongly wetted system, quasi-static flow simulations in pore networks were conducted to analyze the evolution of the wetting subphases during drainage and imbibition. The simulation results suggest that hysteresis trends apparent in experimentally obtained wetting phase relative permeability curves for Berea sandstone may be explained by accounting for corner-film flow. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000291498Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Computational GeosciencesVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
SpringerSubject
Relative permeability; Hysteresis; Porous media; Two-phase flowOrganisational unit
03644 - Jenny, Patrick / Jenny, Patrick
Notes
It was possible to publish this article open access thanks to a Swiss National Licence with the publisher.More
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