Numerical analysis of stable brine displacements for evaluation of density-dependent flow theory

A numerical modelling approach, used for the analysis of stable brine displ acement results, is described. The purpose of the analysis is to evaluate r ecent theoretical advances in modelling of density-dependent flow and trans port. The data analysis involved two stages. A model based on the classical density-dependent transport theory was developed for the first stage of th e analysis. Transport parameters were obtained using a sequential fitting m ethod. The numerical model was then modified to incorporate a non-linear di spersion theory that had been recently proposed for high concentration disp lacements. This modified model was used to reanalyse the results obtained f rom the brine displacement experiments. Overall, the results of the analysi s indicated that a modified transport model was required to adequately desc ribe stable brine displacements. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.