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Percolation theory of creation and mobilization of foams in porous media
Author(s) -
Rossen W. R.,
Gauglitz P. A.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.690360807
Subject(s) - porous medium , percolation theory , surface tension , pressure gradient , percolation (cognitive psychology) , porosity , materials science , enhanced oil recovery , penetration (warfare) , mechanics , volume fraction , mobilization , composite material , thermodynamics , chemistry , chemical engineering , physics , engineering , history , archaeology , operations research , neuroscience , biology , conductivity
A percolation model of foam mobilization in porous media is developed. This model indicates that there is a minimum pressure gradient or, equivalently, a minimum gas velocity required to initiate mobilization of foam. As a result, for most foam enhanced oil recovery processes, where the surface tension is not low, deep foam penetration depends on propagation of foam formed at a high pressure gradient near the well. Low surface tension makes mobilization of CO 2 foams feasible, however, at pressure gradients found throughout much of the formation in a typical field application. The theory further predicts, and data confirm, that the minimum velocity for foam mobilization during steady flow of liquid and gas decreases as injected liquid volume fraction increases. The theory suggests a better strategy for foam generation: alternate injection of small slugs of liquid and gas.