Gas Segregation During WAG Injection and the Importance of Parameter Scaling in Three-Phase Models

Abstract

Abstract Saturation histories from simulations on a mesoscopic-scale heterogeneous model at immiscible and miscible conditions are compared with emphasis on gas segregation. Selected models for three-phase flow, and scaling of the end point saturations, relative permeabilities, and capillary pressures have been applied. The flow parameters of the facies were obtained from pore scale network modeling with input from North Sea sandstones. The simulation cases included water, gas, and water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection. Gas injection at irreducible water saturation demonstrates stronger gas segregation as the pressure exceeds the minimum miscibility pressure (MMP). Gas segregation is not so evident at the mesoscopic scale during WAG injection. High water saturation in the set-planes hampers the vertical gas flow. A bank of high oil saturation forms in front of the advancing gas at miscible conditions. Oil segregates to the set-plane below and the water cycle that follows mobilizes the accumulated oil.