A discrete-domain description of multiphase flow in porous media: Rugged energy landscapes and the origin of hysteresis
Author(s)
Cueto-Felgueroso Landeira, Luis; Juanes, Ruben
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We propose a discrete-domain model to describe mesoscale (many pore) immiscible displacements in porous media. We conceptualize the porous medium and fluid system as a set of weakly connected multistable compartments. The overall properties of the system emerge from the small-scale compartment dynamics. Our model aims at capturing the rugged energy landscape of multiphase porous media systems, emphasizing the role of metastability and local equilibria in the origin of hysteresis. Under two-phase displacements, the system behaves hysteretically, but our description does not rely on past saturations, turning points, or drainage/imbibition labels. We characterize the connection between micrometastability and overall system behavior, and elucidate the different nature of pressure-controlled and rate-controlled immiscible displacements in porous media.
Date issued
2016-02Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringJournal
Geophysical Research Letters
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Citation
Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis, and Ruben Juanes. “A Discrete-Domain Description of Multiphase Flow in Porous Media: Rugged Energy Landscapes and the Origin of Hysteresis: DISCRETE DOMAIN MODEL OF HYSTERESIS.” Geophysical Research Letters 43.4 (2016): 1615–1622. © 2016 American Geophysical Union
Version: Final published version
ISSN
0094-8276