THE APPLICATION OF NETWORK MODELING TECHNIQUES TO MULTIPHASE FLOW IN POROUS-MEDIA

A review of the utility of network models is presented to describe mul tiphase flow at the pore-scale. Precise details of each set of simulat ions can be found in the appropriate reference and only the most perti nent results are presented here. The main aim of this paper is to high light the effectiveness of network models as interpolative and interpr etative numerical tools. Both primary and secondary capillary-dominate d two-phase displacements are considered and well-documented hysteresi s effects are successfully reproduced. Waterfloods of mixed-wet media are subsequently described and associated variations in relative perme ability and recovery efficiency reported. Optimum recovery is obtained from networks containing a 50-50 mis of oil-wet and water-wet pores. Finally, a discussion of unsteady-slate drainage and imbibition models follows and these are applied to waterfloods in finely-laminated poro us media. Results highlight the complex interactions between capillary forces, viscous forces and geological structure.