Simulation of multiphase flows in porous media with gravitational effects using dominant wave method

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, the flow of multiphase fluids in a one-dimensional homogeneous porous media involving the gravity effects is numerically studied using the dominant wave method. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical scheme used for solving the pressure equations, obtained for the black-oil model, is a backward Euler scheme while the hyperbolic mass conservation equations, derived for both black-oil and Buckley-Leverett models, are solved using the dominant wave method. Higher-order schemes are achieved using either variable derivatives along with the minmod limiter or a MUSCL type interface construction scheme using the Fromm's limiter. The mass conservation equations are solved using the first-order forward Euler method in time. Harten's entropy correction procedure is employed to avoid non-physical expansion shocks.

Findings

It was found that the dominant wave method can accurately solve multiphase flow equations involving gravity effects. Numerical experiments also show that both minmod and Fromm's limiters can be successfully used to construct higher-order schemes while the minmod limiter gives slightly more diffuse solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The flow models considered here include two- and three-phase Buckley-Leverett and the black-oil models and the capillary effects are neglected.

Practical implications

The proposed scheme can be efficiently used for solving problems involving non-convex flux functions especially those experienced during gravity drainage process in hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Originality/value

To the best of authors knowledge, this is the first time that the dominant wave method has been used to tackle multiphase flow problems involving gravity effect.

Citation

Moshiri, M., Manzari, M.T., Hannani, S.K. and Rasouli, A. (2013), "Simulation of multiphase flows in porous media with gravitational effects using dominant wave method", International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 1204-1224. https://doi.org/10.1108/HFF-11-2010-0182