A new way of compositional simulation without phase labeling

Saeid Khorsandi, Liwei Li, Russell T. Johns

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Current relative permeability models rely on phase labeling, and cannot accurately capture the effect of compositional variations on relative permeabilities and capillary pressures in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes. Discontinuities in flux calculations not only cause serious convergence and stability, but also affects the estimated recovery factor. We developed a fully compositional simulation model using an equation of state (EoS) for relative permeabilities to eliminate the unphysical discontinuities in flux functions caused by phase labeling. In addition, we extended our relative permeability EoS to three phases. The model can capture complex hysteresis effects on three-phase relative permeability. The tuned model is used for simulation of multi-cycle WAG injection. The approach allows for a new search scheme to improve initial estimates for flash calculation. The results show increased robustness of high-resolution compositional simulation for both front calculations (recovery estimates) and convergence of flash algorithms. This paper provides a novel way forward to develop a fully compositional reservoir simulation based solely on continuous and robust equation-of-state relative permeabilities. In addition, this paper provides a detailed analysis of the effects of discontinuous phase labeling on simulation performance and accuracy for 1-D and 2-D water-alternating-gas flooding and three-hydrocarbon-phase flow. The results demonstrate the significant benefits of using an EoS for relative permeabilities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
EventSPE Improved Oil Recovery Conference 2018 - Tulsa, United States
Duration: Apr 14 2018Apr 18 2018

Other

OtherSPE Improved Oil Recovery Conference 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTulsa
Period4/14/184/18/18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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