Steady Flow of Two-Phase Single-Component Fluids Through Porous Media

This report presents developments of fundamental equations for describingthe flow and thermodynamic behavior of two-phase single-component fluids movingunder steady conditions through porous media. Many of the theoreticalconsiderations upon which these equations are premised have received little orno attention in oil-reservoir fluid-flow research. The significance of theunderlying flow theory in oil-producing operations is indicated. In particular, the theoretical analysis pertains to the steady, adiabatic, macroscopically linear, two-phase flow of a single-component fluid through ahorizontal column of porous medium. It is considered that the test fluid entersthe upstream end of the column while entirely in the liquid state, movesdownstream an appreciable distance, begins to vaporize, and then moves throughthe remainder of the column as a gas-liquid mixture. The problem posed is tofind the total weight rate of flow and the pressure distribution along thecolumn for a given inlet pressure and temperature, a given exit pressure ortemperature and given characteristics of the test fluid and porous medium. In developing the theory, gas-liquid interfacial phenomena are treated, phase equilibrium is assumed and previous theoretical work of otherinvestigators of the problem is modified. Laboratory experiments performed with specially designed apparatus, in whichpropane is used as the test fluid, substantiate the theory. The apparatus, materials and experimental procedure are described. Comparative experimentaland theoretical results are presented and discussed. It is believed that the research findings contributed in this paper shouldnot only lead to a better understanding of oil-reservoir behavior, but alsoshould be suggestive in regard to future research in this field of study. Introduction In recent years much time and effort has been consumed in both theoreticaland experimental studies of the static and dynamic behavior of oil-reservoirfluids in porous rocks. Although lack of sufficient basic oil-field data, principally concerning the properties and characteristics of reservoir rocksand fluids, largely precludes quantitative application of research results tooil-field problems, qualitative application has become common practice. Ineffect, oil-reservoir engineering research is serving as a firm foundation foroil-field development and production practices leading to increased economicrecoveries of petroleum. This province of research, however, still poses manyperplexing problems. T.P. 3079