Experimental Micro-modeling and Numerical Simulation of Gas/Water Injection/Withdrawal Cycles as Applied to Underground Gas Storage Reservoir

SUMMARY This paper presents the results of an experimental and theoretical study of mechanisms responsible for the evolution and structure of the gas bubble during air-water injection-withdrawal cycles in 2D glass micromodels. Wetting films located in the corners of throat section conduct flow. Wetting film flow generates gas loop structure which increases injection efficiency and also the amount of trapped gas during withdrawal. During the next injection, blob distribution and wetting film flow induce a quicker breakthrough. Using a network simulator which takes into account wetting film flow, the influence of flow-rate on cycling is highlighted