A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF VISCOUS CROSSFLOW

In order to account for vertical heterogeneities in a petroleum reservoir, discrete layers with varying rock and/or fluid properties are introduced as a modeling tool. The addition of layers into an otherwise one-dimensional flow problem requires that consideration be given to the vertical flow of fluids in the event communication between any adjacent layers exists. This transverse flow of reservoir fluids is termed crossflow and in this work only crossflow induced from viscous forces will be studied.;Through the assumption of vertical equilibrium, solutions to the stratified waterflood process including fractional flow behavior are derived, as well as simplified solutions to enhanced oil recovery processes for reservoirs modeled with layers. These solutions to the vertical equilibrium viscous crossflow phenomenon provide insight for making sound engineering decisions regarding implementation of displacement processes.;This research treats viscous crossflow only on a theoretical basis seeking to describe the mechanism in terms of reservoir and fluid properties. Emphasis is placed on understanding the physics controlling fluid movement rather than recording the results of viscous crossflow on a reservoir's performance by varying the reservoir's parameters.