An Analysis of Gravity-Segregated Piston-Like Displacement in Stratified Reservoirs

Abstract

Summary This paper develops the conditions for gravity-stable displacement in stratified reservoirs. Results are given for the shape of a gravity-stabilized displacement front and for the asymptotic behavior of nonstable segregated fronts. Partial stability may prevail in the latter case. The analysis assumes piston-like displacement and incompressible fluids and is based on the vertical-equilibrium (VE) approximation.