Journal Home > Volume 6 , Issue 2
Capillarity 2023, 6(2): 19-30 https://doi.org/10.46690/capi.2023.02.01
Original Article | Open Access | Issue | Published: 10 January 2023

Pore-scale simulation of gas displacement after water flooding using three-phase lattice Boltzmann method

Show Author's Information Sen Wang1,2( ),  Liyang Chen1,2,  Qihong Feng1,2,  Li Chen3,  Chao Fang4,  Ronghao Cui5
Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil & Gas Development, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266580, P. R. China
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, P. R. China
Key Laboratory of Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering of MOE, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
Physical Science and Engineering Division, Computational Transport Phenomena Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
porous media, lattice Boltzmann method, Gas flooding, three-phase flow, miscibility
Cite this article:
Wang S, Chen L, Feng Q, et al. Pore-scale simulation of gas displacement after water flooding using three-phase lattice Boltzmann method. Capillarity, 2023, 6(2): 19-30. https://doi.org/10.46690/capi.2023.02.01
Download citation
EndNote(RIS)
BibTeX

405

Views

20

Downloads

Citations

2

Crossref

N/A

WoS

3

Scopus

N/A

CSCD

Abstract Full text About this article

Water flooding is a commonly used technique to improve oil recovery, although the amount of oil left in reservoirs after the procedure is still significant. Gas displacement after water flooding is an effective way to recover residual oil, but the occurrence state and flow principles of multiphase fluid after gas injection are still ambiguous. Therefore, the gas displacement process after water flooding should be studied on the pore scale to provide a basis for formulating a reasonable gas injection program. Most of the current pore-scale studies focus on two-phase flow, while simulations that account for the influence of oil-gas miscibility and injected water are seldom reported. In this work, the multi-component multi-phase Shan-Chen lattice Boltzmann model is used to simulate the gas displacement after water flooding in a porous medium, and the effects of injected water, viscosity ratio, pore structure, and miscibility are analyzed. It is established that the injected water will cause gas flow path variations and lead to premature gas channeling. Under the impact of capillary pressure, the water retained in the porous medium during the water flooding stage further imbibes into the tiny pores during gas injection and displaces the remaining oil. When miscibility is considered, the oil-gas interface disappears, eliminating the influence of the capillary effect on the fluid flow and enabling the recovery of remaining oil at the corner. This study sheds light on the gas displacement mechanisms after water flooding from the pore-scale perspective and provides a potential avenue for improving oil recovery.


menu
Abstract
Full text
Outline
About this article

Pore-scale simulation of gas displacement after water flooding using three-phase lattice Boltzmann method

Show Author's information Sen Wang1,2( ), Liyang Chen1,2, Qihong Feng1,2, Li Chen3, Chao Fang4, Ronghao Cui5
Key Laboratory of Unconventional Oil & Gas Development, Ministry of Education, Qingdao 266580, P. R. China
School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, P. R. China
Key Laboratory of Thermo-Fluid Science and Engineering of MOE, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P. R. China
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
Physical Science and Engineering Division, Computational Transport Phenomena Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Water flooding is a commonly used technique to improve oil recovery, although the amount of oil left in reservoirs after the procedure is still significant. Gas displacement after water flooding is an effective way to recover residual oil, but the occurrence state and flow principles of multiphase fluid after gas injection are still ambiguous. Therefore, the gas displacement process after water flooding should be studied on the pore scale to provide a basis for formulating a reasonable gas injection program. Most of the current pore-scale studies focus on two-phase flow, while simulations that account for the influence of oil-gas miscibility and injected water are seldom reported. In this work, the multi-component multi-phase Shan-Chen lattice Boltzmann model is used to simulate the gas displacement after water flooding in a porous medium, and the effects of injected water, viscosity ratio, pore structure, and miscibility are analyzed. It is established that the injected water will cause gas flow path variations and lead to premature gas channeling. Under the impact of capillary pressure, the water retained in the porous medium during the water flooding stage further imbibes into the tiny pores during gas injection and displaces the remaining oil. When miscibility is considered, the oil-gas interface disappears, eliminating the influence of the capillary effect on the fluid flow and enabling the recovery of remaining oil at the corner. This study sheds light on the gas displacement mechanisms after water flooding from the pore-scale perspective and provides a potential avenue for improving oil recovery.

Keywords: porous media, lattice Boltzmann method, Gas flooding, three-phase flow, miscibility

References(52)

Alemu, B., Aker, E., Soldal, M., et al. Effect of sub-core scale heterogeneities on acoustic and electrical properties of a reservoir rock: A CO2 flooding experiment of brine saturated sandstone in a computed tomography scanner. Geophysical Prospecting, 2013, 61(1): 235-250.
DOI Google Scholar
Andrew, M., Bijeljic, B., Blunt, M. J. Pore-scale imaging of trapped supercritical carbon dioxide in sandstones and carbonates. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 2014, 22: 1-14.
DOI Google Scholar
Cai, J., Jin, T., Kou, J., et al. Lucas-Washburn equation-based modeling of capillary-driven flow in porous systems. Langmuir, 2021, 37(5): 1623-1636.
DOI Google Scholar
Cao, C., Liao, J., Hou, Z., et al. Utilization of CO2 as cushion gas for depleted gas reservoir transformed gas storage reservoir. Energies, 2020, 13(3): 576.
DOI Google Scholar
Cha, L., Feng, Q., Wang, S., et al. Pore-scale modeling of immiscible displacement in porous media: The effects of dual wettability. SPE Journal, 2022: 1-12. (online)
DOI Google Scholar
Cha, L., Xie, C., Feng, Q., et al. Geometric criteria for the snap-off of a non-wetting droplet in pore-throat channels with rectangular cross-sections. Water Resources Research, 2021, 57(7): e2020WR029476.
DOI Google Scholar
Chen, L., Kang, Q., Mu, Y., et al. A critical review of the pseudopotential multiphase lattice Boltzmann model: Methods and applications. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2014, 76: 210-236.
DOI Google Scholar
Chen, L., Kang, Q., Robinson, B. A., et al. Pore-scale modeling of multiphase reactive transport with phase transitions and dissolution-precipitation processes in closed systems. Physical Review E, 2013, 87(4): 043306.
DOI Google Scholar
Chen, L., Zhang, L., Kang, Q., et al. Nanoscale simulation of shale transport properties using the lattice Boltzmann method: permeability and diffusivity. Scientific Reports, 2015, 5(1): 8089.
DOI Google Scholar
Davarpanah, A., Mazarei, M., Mirshekari, B. A simulation study to enhance the gas production rate by nitrogen replacement in the underground gas storage performance. Energy Reports, 2019, 5: 431-435.
DOI Google Scholar
Diao, Z., Li, S., Liu, W., et al. Numerical study of the effect of tortuosity and mixed wettability on spontaneous imbibition in heterogeneous porous media. Capillarity, 2021, 4(3): 50-62.
DOI Google Scholar
Feng, Q., Cha, L., Dai, C., et al. Effect of particle size and concentration on the migration behavior in porous media by coupling computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method. Powder Technology, 2020, 360: 704-714.
DOI Google Scholar
Golparvar, A., Zhou, Y., Wu, K., et al. A comprehensive review of pore scale modeling methodologies for multiphase flow in porous media. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2018, 2(4): 418-440.
DOI Google Scholar
Guo, Z., Shi, B., Wang, N. Lattice BGK model for incompressible Navier-Stokes equation. Journal of Computational Physics, 2000, 165(1): 288-306.
DOI Google Scholar
Guo, Z., Zheng, C., Shi, B. Discrete lattice effects on the forcing term in the lattice Boltzmann method. Physical Review E, 2002a, 65(4): 046308.
DOI Google Scholar
Guo Z., Zheng, C., Shi, B. Non-equilibrium extrapolation method for velocity and pressure boundary conditions in the lattice Boltzmann method. Chinese Physics, 2002b, 11(4): 366.
DOI Google Scholar
Huang, H., Thorne, D. T., Schaap, M. G., et al. Proposed approximation for contact angles in Shan-and-Chen-type multicomponent multiphase lattice Boltzmann models. Physical Review E, 2007, 76(6): 066701.
DOI Google Scholar
Hustad, O. S., Holt, T. Gravity stable displacement of oil by hydrocarbon gas after waterflooding. Paper SPE 24116 Presented at the SPE/DOE Enhanced Oil Recovery Symposium, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 22-24 April, 1992.
DOI
Ji, S., Tian, C., Shi, C., et al. New understanding on water-oil displacement efficiency in a high water-cut stage. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 2012, 39(3): 362-370.
DOI Google Scholar
Kong, D., Gao, Y., Sarma, H., et al. Experimental investigation of immiscible water-alternating-gas injection in ultra-high water-cut stage reservoir. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(2): 139-152.
DOI Google Scholar
Li, S., Liu, H., Zhang, J., et al. Modeling of three-phase displacement in three-dimensional irregular geometries using a lattice Boltzmann method. Physics of Fluids, 2021, 33(12): 122108.
DOI Google Scholar
Li, Q., Luo, K., Li, X. Lattice Boltzmann modeling of multiphase flows at large density ratio with an improved pseudopotential model. Physical Review E, 2013, 87(5): 053301.
DOI Google Scholar
Liu, Y., Chen, M., Sun, S., et al. Effects of grain shape and packing pattern on spontaneous imbibition under different boundary conditions: Pore-scale simulation. Journal of Hydrology, 2022a, 607: 127484.
DOI Google Scholar
Liu, H., Kang, Q., Leonardi, C. R., et al. Multiphase lattice Boltzmann simulations for porous media applications. Computational Geosciences, 2016, 20(4): 777-805.
DOI Google Scholar
Liu, S., Ren, B., Li, H. Y., et al. CO2 storage with enhanced gas recovery (CSEGR): A review of experimental and numerical studies. Petroleum Science, 2022b, 19(2): 594-607.
DOI Google Scholar
Liu, J., Wang, S., Javadpour, F., et al. Hydrogen diffusion in clay slit: Implications for the geological storage. Energy & Fuels, 2022c, 36(14): 7651-7660.
DOI Google Scholar
Mazarei, M., Davarpanah, A., Ebadati, A., et al. The feasibility analysis of underground gas storage during an integration of improved condensate recovery processes. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 2019, 9(1): 397-408.
DOI Google Scholar
Mukherjee, S., Dang, S. T., Rai, C., et al. Novel techniques to measure oil-gas diffusion at high pressure & high temperature conditions: Application for huff-n-puff EOR in shale. Paper URTEC 20202203 Presented at the SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, Virtual, 20-22 July, 2020.
DOI
Preston, C., Monea, M., Jazrawi, W., et al. IEA GHG Weyburn CO2 monitoring and storage project. Fuel Processing Technology, 2005, 86(14): 1547-1568.
DOI Google Scholar
Qu, M., Hou, J., Wen, Y., et al. Nitrogen gas channeling characteristics in fracture-vuggy carbonate reservoirs. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2020, 186: 106723.
DOI Google Scholar
Ren, B., Male, F., Duncan, I. J. Economic analysis of CCUS: Accelerated development for CO2 EOR and storage in residual oil zones under the context of 45Q tax credit. Applied Energy, 2022, 321: 119393.
DOI Google Scholar
Ren, B., Ren, S., Zhang, L., et al. Monitoring on CO2 migration in a tight oil reservoir during CCS-EOR in Jilin oilfield China. Energy, 2016, 98: 108-121.
DOI Google Scholar
Rokhforouz, M. R., Akhlaghi Amiri, H. A. Effects of grain size and shape distribution on pore-scale numerical simulation of two-phase flow in a heterogeneous porous medium. Advances in Water Resources, 2019, 124: 84-95.
DOI Google Scholar
Shen, H., Yang, Z., Li, X., et al. CO2-responsive agent for restraining gas channeling during CO2 flooding in low permeability reservoirs. Fuel, 2021, 292: 120306.
DOI Google Scholar
Sohrabi, M., Danesh, A., Jamiolahmady, M. Visualisation of residual oil recovery by near-miscible gas and SWAG injection using high-pressure micromodels. Transport in Porous Media, 2008a, 74(2): 239-257.
DOI Google Scholar
Sohrabi, M., Danesh, A., Tehrani, D. H., et al. Microscopic mechanisms of oil recovery by near-miscible gas injection. Transport in Porous Media, 2008b, 72(3): 351-367.
DOI Google Scholar
Tang, M., Zhan, H., Lu, S., et al. Pore-scale CO2 displacement simulation based on the three fluid phase lattice Boltzmann method. Energy & Fuels, 2019, 33(10): 10039-10055.
DOI Google Scholar
Tovar, F. D., Eide, Ø., Graue, A., et al. Experimental investigation of enhanced recovery in unconventional liquid reservoirs using CO2: A look ahead to the future of unconventional EOR. Paper SPE 169022 Presented at the SPE Unconventional Resources Conference, The Woodlands, Texas, USA, 1-3 April, 2014.
DOI
Wang, Z., Jin, X., Sun, L., et al. Pore-scale geometry effects on gas permeability in shale. Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering, 2016, 34: 948-957.
DOI Google Scholar
Wang, H., Su, Y., Wang, W., et al. CO2-oil diffusion, adsorption and miscible flow in nanoporous media from pore-scale perspectives. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2022, 450: 137957.
DOI Google Scholar
Wang, H., Yuan, X., Liang, H., et al. A brief review of the phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann method for multiphase flows. Capillarity, 2019, 2(3): 33-52.
DOI Google Scholar
Wei, B., Hou, J., Sukop, M. C., et al. Enhancing oil recovery using an immiscible slug: Lattice Boltzmann simulation by three-phase pseudopotential model. Physics of Fluids, 2020, 32(9): 092105.
DOI Google Scholar
Wei, H., Zhu, X., Liu, X., et al. Pore-scale study of drainage processes in porous media with various structural heterogeneity. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 2022, 132: 105914.
DOI Google Scholar
Yu, Y., Liang, D., Liu, H. Lattice Boltzmann simulation of immiscible three-phase flows with contact-line dynamics. Physical Review E, 2019, 99(1): 013308.
DOI Google Scholar
Zeidan, D., Bähr, P., Farber, P., et al. Numerical investigation of a mixture two-phase flow model in two-dimensional space. Computers & Fluids, 2019, 181: 90-106.
DOI Google Scholar
Zhang, J. Lattice Boltzmann method for microfluidics: Models and applications. Microfluid Nanofluid, 2011, 10(1): 1-28.
DOI Google Scholar
Zhang, C., Chen, L., Ji, W., et al. Lattice Boltzmann mesoscopic modeling of flow boiling heat transfer processes in a microchannel. Applied Thermal Engineering, 2021, 197: 117369.
DOI Google Scholar
Zhang, D., Li, S., Jiao, S., et al. Relative permeability of three immiscible fluids in random porous media determined by the lattice Boltzmann method. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2019, 134: 311-320.
DOI Google Scholar
Zhao, H., Ning, Z., Kang, Q., et al. Relative permeability of two immiscible fluids flowing through porous media determined by lattice Boltzmann method. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 2017, 85: 53-61.
DOI Google Scholar
Zhao, F., Wang, P., Huang, S., et al. Performance and applicable limits of multi-stage gas channeling control system for CO2 flooding in ultra-low permeability reservoirs. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2020, 192: 107336.
DOI Google Scholar
Zhu, X., Chen, L., Wang, S., et al. Pore-scale study of three-phase displacement in porous media. Physics of Fluids, 2022, 34(4): 043320.
DOI Google Scholar
Zhu, X., Wang, S., Feng, Q., et al. Pore-scale numerical prediction of three-phase relative permeability in porous media using the lattice Boltzmann method. International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 2021, 126: 105403.
DOI Google Scholar
Publication history
Copyright
Acknowledgements
Rights and permissions

Publication history

Received: 25 October 2022
Revised: 02 December 2022
Accepted: 29 December 2022
Published: 10 January 2023
Issue date: February 2023

Copyright

© The Author(s) 2022.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported partly by the Major Scientific and Technological Projects of CNPC (No. ZD2019-183-007), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 52274055, U1762213 and 51974340), and the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation (No. ZR2022YQ50).

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY-NC-ND) license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Return