Abstract
dc:description.abstractThe aim of this thesis is to use digital rock physics for understanding flow through porous media. Pore-scale simulations were conducted using the Finite Volume method to solve the Navier-Stokes equations, and the Volume of Fluid method for capturing interface. A workflow is provided, in which primary drainage simulations are performed in order to establish initial water saturation. Then, secondary imbibition simulations are performed mimicking viscosity ratios found in thermal recovery processes involving hot water and heavy oil. Through these simulations, pore-scale events such as Haines jumps, oil ganglia mobilization, fingering and oil stripping in high shear flows are identified. This research discusses the capabilities and limitations of the Volume of Fluid method, and through the simulation results, important insights are provided in regards to the mechanisms of oil recovery through steam or hot water injection and on the balance of viscous and capillary forces in immiscible displacements.
Degree
thesis:*- Name thesis:degree_name
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
- Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
- Grantor dc:publisher.institution
- Graduate Studies
- Year dc:date.issued
- 2015
Author and committee
dc:creator, dc:contributor.*- Author dc:creator
-
- Santiago, Carla Jordana Sena
- Advisors dc:contributor.advisor
-
- Kantzas, Apostolos
- Maini, Brij
Subjects
dc:subject × 1Rights
dc:rights- Statement dc:rights
-
- University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.
- Language dc:language.iso
- eng
Identifiers
dc:identifier.*- OAI identifier oai:identifier
- oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:11023/2256