Chapter No. Chapter Title Page No.

LIST OF FIGURES 4
ABSTRACT 5
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 6
1.1 Background of the Study 6
1.2 Problem Statement 7
1.3 Objective 8
CHAPTER 2 THEORY 9
2.1 Porosity 9
2.2 Porosity Determination 9
2.2.1 Materials Used 9
2.2.2 Procedure 10
2.2.3 Formulas Used 11
2.2.4 Calculation 11
CHAPTER 3 FUNDAMENTALS OF MODELING 12
3.1 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) 12
3.2 Advantages of CFD 12
3.3 Fundamentals of ANSYS 13
CHAPTER 4 METHODOLOGY 15
4.1 Software 15
4.2 Simulation Steps 15
CHAPTER 5 FUTURE WORK AND CONCLUSION 20
REFERENCES 21

1
LIST OF FIGURES

SL. NO TITLE PAGE

NO.
1 MAGNETIC STIRRER 9
2 VACCUM DESICCATOR 9
3 CORE PLUG IN BRINE 10
4 ANSYS FLUID FLUENT 15
5 GEOMETRY CREATION USING SPACECLAIM 16
6 FINAL 2D GEOMETRY 16
7&8 MESH CREATION 17
9&10 POROUS MODEL INITIAL CONDITION IN 18
FLUENT LAUNCHER

2
Abstract

The global petroleum industry faces significant challenges as many oil reservoirs enter the
later stages of depletion, where conventional recovery methods can no longer access a
substantial portion of the remaining hydrocarbons. In such scenarios Enhanced Oil Recovery
(EOR) methods, are employed to increase recovery from mature reservoirs. However,
optimizing these techniques requires a detailed understanding of multiphase flow dynamics,
particularly oil-water interactions within heterogeneous porous media. This study focuses on
the numerical modeling and simulation of multiphase flow in petroleum reservoirs using
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis with ANSYS software. By simulating oil-
water flow through porous media, the study aims to better understand the factors influencing
water flooding and other EOR techniques. The model incorporates reservoir conditions such
as temperature, pressure, and phase interactions, providing valuable insights into flow
behavior and phase distribution. The results from this study contribute to optimizing EOR
strategies, improving oil recovery, and reducing operational risks in mature oil reservoirs.
The use of CFD analysis offers a cost-effective alternative to field studies and laboratory
tests, enabling more accurate predictions and enhancing the overall efficiency of petroleum
recovery processes.

3
 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The global petroleum industry faces a significant challenge, as the majority of petroleum
resources are now in the later stages of their lifecycle. Currently, most petroleum reservoirs
are in their third phase of production, where the initial abundance of easily recoverable oil
has substantially dwindled. The exploration and discovery of new fossil fuel resources are
increasingly limited, making it imperative to enhance the recovery of petroleum from existing
reservoirs. In this context, boosting oil recovery from mature reservoirs has become a critical
focus for the industry.

Oil recovery from a reservoir typically occurs in three distinct stages. The first stage is driven
by the natural energy within the reservoir, where oil flows to the surface due to the inherent
pressure of the reservoir or other natural forces. However, this initial phase can only recover
a fraction of the total oil reserves. In the second stage, called secondary recovery, external
forces such as water or gas are injected into the reservoir to maintain pressure and displace
the oil, facilitating further extraction. Despite these efforts, more than 60% of the oil remains
trapped in the reservoir, making it inaccessible by conventional methods.

This brings us to the third and final stage of oil recovery, known as Enhanced Oil Recovery
(EOR). In this stage, advanced technologies are employed to recover the remaining oil that is
not producible by conventional methods. The implementation of EOR technologies plays a
crucial role in improving overall recovery rates, as they are specifically designed to extract
oil from reservoirs that are otherwise considered economically unfeasible for extraction. With
the declining availability of new reservoir sites and the increasing presence of heavy oil, EOR
techniques have become an essential component of modern petroleum extraction efforts.

The need for improved EOR methods is underscored by the fact that many of the world’s oil
fields are now in advanced stages of depletion. Research into these methods has expanded, as
traditional approaches are often inadequate in addressing the complex nature of the remaining
reserves. Enhanced oil recovery methods employ various technologies such as thermal
recovery, chemical injection, and gas injection to break down the barriers to oil production in
these challenging reservoirs. These technologies are becoming even more critical in the face
of rising demand for oil and the decreasing efficiency of conventional recovery techniques.

However, field studies and large-scale investigations into EOR techniques are often
impractical due to the high costs and risks involved. Laboratory studies, while valuable, also
come with limitations, including safety concerns and the inability to replicate the full
complexity of real-world reservoir conditions. Furthermore, laboratory tests are typically on a
smaller scale than those required for accurate field-level predictions. As such, conducting
comprehensive and precise studies on enhanced oil recovery methods becomes an
increasingly difficult and costly task.

4
To overcome these challenges, numerical modeling and simulation techniques have emerged
as vital tools in the study of EOR. Simulation provides an effective means to model the
behavior of multiphase flow within heterogeneous porous media, which is the key
characteristic of petroleum reservoirs. Multiphase flow refers to the simultaneous movement
of more than one phase (e.g., oil, water, and gas) through porous rock, where each phase has
distinct properties and interacts with the others. The interaction between these phases—such
as capillary forces, pressure differences, and relative permeability—adds complexity to flow
behavior, making it much harder to predict and manage compared to single-phase flow.

In heterogeneous porous media, the complexity increases because the reservoir rocks are not
uniform. The porosity, permeability, and other properties of the rock vary spatially, meaning
that different regions of the reservoir may behave differently. This heterogeneity leads to
non-uniform flow patterns, making the modeling of multiphase flow more challenging.
Numerical simulations can account for these variations and provide insights into the dynamic
interactions of the phases under real reservoir conditions.

Through numerical methods, researchers can simulate reservoir conditions such as

temperature, pressure, and the various forces acting within the reservoir. These simulations
allow for a more detailed understanding of the flow dynamics and interactions between
different phases of fluid (oil, water, gas) in the reservoir.

One of the key advantages of using simulations is that they allow for the modeling of real-
world conditions without the need for expensive, large-scale field experiments. These
methods can integrate data from laboratory experiments, whose scales are smaller but can be
accurately applied to real-world scenarios. By using simulation tools to predict the outcomes
of various enhanced oil recovery methods under specific conditions, the risk of operational
failures is reduced, and the potential for optimization is greatly increased. Furthermore, the
ability to simulate the complexities of reservoir behavior helps to identify the most effective
EOR techniques for a given reservoir, thus making oil recovery processes more efficient and
cost-effective.

Given the challenges associated with traditional methods, the reliance on simulation for
modeling multiphase flow through heterogeneous porous media is crucial for enhancing our
understanding and improving the efficiency of petroleum recovery. As the demand for oil
continues to grow and new reservoirs become increasingly difficult to explore, the
development of advanced simulation techniques will be a cornerstone of future oil recovery
strategies.

1.2 Problem Statement

As petroleum reservoirs enter advanced stages of depletion, conventional recovery methods,

including water flooding, are insufficient to extract the remaining oil. The complexities of
multiphase flow, particularly oil-water interactions in porous media, make it difficult to
optimize recovery. Water flooding, while effective, requires a deeper understanding of the
key parameters that influence flow behaviour. Due to the high costs and limitations of field
and laboratory studies, there is a need for advanced numerical simulations to better model
these processes. This study aims to enhance the understanding of oil-water flow dynamics in
heterogeneous porous media representing an oil reservoir.

5
1.3 Objective

The primary objective of this study is to develop a 2D numerical model using Computational
Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in ANSYS 2024 R1 to simulate multiphase flow, particularly oil-
water interactions, in heterogeneous porous media. This model aims to improve the
understanding of water flooding and other Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) techniques by
analyzing factors such as phase behavior, pressure, and temperature within petroleum
reservoirs. The study aims to optimize oil recovery strategies, enhance the efficiency of EOR
methods, and reduce operational risks associated with oil extraction in mature reservoirs.

6
 CHAPTER 2: THEORY

2.1 POROSITY

Porosity is a critical property of reservoir rocks that significantly influences the storage
capacity of hydrocarbons in petroleum reservoirs. In petroleum engineering, porosity refers to
the fraction of the total volume of a rock that is occupied by void spaces, or pores, which can
hold fluids such as oil, gas, and water. It is typically expressed as a percentage or a decimal
fraction. High porosity means that a rock has a larger proportion of void spaces, potentially
allowing it to store more hydrocarbons, while low porosity indicates that the rock has fewer
pore spaces, thus reducing its capacity to store oil or gas.

Porosity is fundamental to understanding reservoir characteristics because it directly affects

the amount of hydrocarbon that can be stored within the rock. For petroleum engineers,
accurately determining the porosity of reservoir rocks is essential for assessing the potential
productivity of a reservoir and for designing effective extraction strategies.

2.2 POROSITY DETERMINATION

The liquid saturation method is a widely used technique to determine the porosity of core
samples in geological and petroleum studies. Porosity refers to the fraction of the total volume
of a rock or sediment that is occupied by void spaces (pores), which can store fluids like water,
oil, or gas. Understanding the porosity of rock samples is crucial for assessing their ability to
store and transmit fluids, which is particularly important in fields such as petroleum
engineering, hydrology, and environmental science.

The liquid saturation method is based on the principle that the porosity of a core sample can be
determined by measuring the volume of liquid that the sample can absorb or displace. The core
sample is usually saturated with a liquid (often water or a non-reactive fluid) under controlled
conditions. The difference between the initial and final weight of the sample is used to calculate
the volume of the pores that the liquid has filled. Since the density of the liquid is known, the
porosity can be derived from the volume of liquid displaced relative to the total volume of the
sample.

2.2.1 MATERIALS USED: Core Sample, Magnetic stirrer, Vernier Callipers, Vaccum Pump,
Vaccum Desiccator, Brine Solution.

Fig1 : Magnetic Stirrer Fig2: Vaccum Desiccator

7
2.2.2 PROCEDURE:
1. First, take a cylindrical shaped dry core plug.
2. Weight of the dry core plug (W1) is measured with the help of a weighing machine.
3. Saturate the core plug in brine solution.
4. The brine solution along with the core sample is placed inside a vacuum desiccator with a
vacuum pump. This is done to let the air bubbles come out of the core and completely
saturate it.
5. Measure the weight of the saturated core (W2).
6. The pore volume (PV) can be determined by the formula: PV = (W2 - W1) / Density of the
fluid
7. Then, the length and diameter of the core is measured with the help of a vernier caliper.
8. The bulk volume (BV) of the core is measured with the help of the formula for cylinder
volume i.e. πr²h.
9. The porosity (Φ) of the core sample is measured by the formula: Φ = Pore Volume (PV) /
Bulk Volume (BV)

Fig3: Core Plug in Brine

8
2.2.3 FORMULAS USED:
1. PORE VOLUME

2. BULK VOLUME

2.2.4 CALCULATION:

a) SAMPLE DIMENSIONS
a. Length=5.525 cm
b. Diameter=3.75 cm
b) BRINE PREPARATION: 4000 ppm Brine solution prepared.
c) DENSITY OF THE BRINE SOLUTION: 1.004 g/mL
d) WEIGHT OF THE CORE: 145.223 g
e) WEIGHT AFTER CLEANING : 142.522 g
f) DRY WEIGHT: 135.798 g
g) WEIGHT AFTER SATURATION: 145.664 g
h) BULK VOLUME: 61.021 mL
i) PORE VOLUME: 9.82 mL
j) POROSITY: 16.103%

9
 CHAPTER 3: FUNDAMENTALS OF MODELING

3.1 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical
methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems involving fluid flows. CFD involves
the simulation of fluid motion, heat transfer, mass transport, and related phenomena in a
virtual environment. It is widely used in engineering to model the behavior of fluids and
gases in various systems, ranging from natural systems like weather patterns to industrial
applications such as oil reservoirs, aerodynamics, and chemical processes.

The fundamentals of CFD involve the following key components:

1. Governing Equations: CFD is based on the fundamental equations of fluid

mechanics, such as the Navier-Stokes equations, which describe the motion of
viscous fluid substances. These equations account for the conservation of mass
(continuity equation), momentum (Navier-Stokes), and energy (energy equation).
Solving these equations under various boundary conditions allows CFD to predict the
behavior of fluids in a given system.
2. Discretization: To solve the governing equations numerically, CFD divides the
physical domain into a grid or mesh. The continuous equations are then discretized
into algebraic equations that can be solved iteratively. The process of breaking down
the domain into smaller cells is called meshing, and it is a crucial step in the accuracy
of the solution. The mesh can be structured (grid-like) or unstructured (with irregular
cells), depending on the geometry of the problem.
3. Solving the Equations: After discretization, numerical methods such as finite
difference, finite element, or finite volume methods are used to approximate the
solutions of the equations. These methods allow the flow behavior to be simulated for
different scenarios by iterating through time and space until a stable solution is
reached.
4. Boundary and Initial Conditions: The accuracy of the CFD solution depends
significantly on the boundary conditions (such as walls, inlets, and outlets) and initial
conditions (the starting values of the flow properties). Properly defining these
conditions ensures the simulation can realistically replicate the physical system.
5. Post-Processing: Once the CFD simulation has been completed, the results need to be
analyzed. This is done through post-processing tools that allow the visualization of
flow patterns, temperature distributions, pressure fields, and other important variables.
Common post-processing methods include plotting velocity vectors, streamlines,
temperature contours, and pressure distributions.

3.2 Advantages of CFD

1. Cost-Effective: CFD offers a significant cost advantage over traditional physical

testing methods. Instead of conducting multiple expensive experiments, simulations
can be run virtually to test different scenarios and configurations. This can reduce the
need for prototype development, costly materials, and physical testing.
2. Design Optimization: CFD allows engineers to test various design configurations
and make informed decisions before committing to physical prototypes. By
simulating different operating conditions, engineers can optimize designs for

10
 efficiency, performance, and safety. This leads to more innovative solutions in
industries like automotive, aerospace, and petroleum engineering.
3. Visualization of Complex Flows: CFD enables the visualization of fluid behavior in
complex systems, making it easier to understand phenomena that are difficult or
impossible to observe directly. This includes turbulent flow, heat transfer, and fluid-
structure interactions, all of which are essential for solving problems in industries like
petroleum engineering, environmental engineering, and chemical processing.
4. Time and Space Flexibility: CFD simulations allow the study of fluid dynamics over
both long time periods and large spatial scales. By adjusting the simulation settings,
engineers can explore transient flow conditions, pressure fluctuations, or thermal
gradients, providing a detailed view of a system’s behavior over time.
5. Risk Reduction: In many industries, such as oil and gas, aerospace, and automotive,
CFD simulations help identify potential risks and issues before they occur in real-
world applications. By studying potential failure points, engineers can prevent costly
or dangerous mistakes during the design and operation phases.
6. Multi-Physics Simulations: CFD can be coupled with other physical phenomena
such as heat transfer, chemical reactions, and mechanical stresses to analyze systems
where multiple forces interact. This is particularly beneficial for complex engineering
applications, like enhanced oil recovery in heterogeneous reservoirs or designing
efficient heat exchangers.
7. Improved Understanding of Fluid Behavior: CFD helps engineers gain a deeper
understanding of fluid behavior in specific contexts, particularly in situations where
experimentation may be difficult. For example, in petroleum reservoirs, CFD can
model the multiphase flow of oil, water, and gas in porous media, providing insight
into the dynamics of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes.
8. Parametric Studies: CFD makes it possible to conduct parametric studies, where
engineers can test different variables (e.g., fluid velocity, temperature, pressure, or
geometrical configurations) to see how they affect the performance of the system.
This helps in identifying the most efficient and effective conditions for achieving the
desired outcome.

CFD has become an indispensable tool in modern engineering, enabling detailed analysis of
fluid flow and related phenomena without the need for extensive physical experiments. Its
ability to model complex systems with high accuracy, reduce costs, and optimize designs has
revolutionized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerodynamics, and chemical processing.
By leveraging the power of CFD, engineers can achieve greater efficiency, enhance system
performance, and mitigate risks in a wide range of applications.

3.3 Fundamentals of ANSYS

ANSYS is a widely used engineering simulation software that offers comprehensive solutions
for simulating the behavior of physical systems under various conditions. It is a powerful tool
for solving complex problems in the fields of fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, heat
transfer, electromagnetics, and multiphysics simulations. ANSYS integrates a variety of
solvers, pre-processing tools, and post-processing capabilities to perform simulations with
high accuracy and reliability.

The core of ANSYS is its ability to solve physical phenomena through numerical methods
like the Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Volume Method (FVM), and Boundary
Element Method (BEM), depending on the type of simulation required. Engineers and

11
scientists use ANSYS to model the physical behavior of components, assemblies, and entire
systems in applications across aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, and more.

1. Pre-Processing: In ANSYS, pre-processing refers to the steps that involve preparing

a model for simulation. This includes defining the geometry, material properties,
boundary conditions, and meshing the model into smaller elements (for FEM) or
control volumes (for FVM). The quality of the mesh is critical in ensuring that the
simulation results are accurate and reliable. In ANSYS, meshing is highly
customizable, allowing users to create fine meshes for complex geometries.
2. Solving: ANSYS solvers use advanced algorithms to numerically solve the governing
equations related to the physical problem being modeled. Whether solving structural,
fluid, thermal, or other types of problems, ANSYS solvers use methods like direct
solvers, iterative solvers, and parallel computing to ensure efficient and accurate
solutions. These solvers handle large, complex systems and provide solutions in a
timely manner.
3. Post-Processing: Once the simulation is complete, the results are visualized and
analyzed through the post-processing tools in ANSYS. This allows users to interpret
data, create graphical representations, and extract important results such as stress
distribution, temperature profiles, fluid flow behavior, and other physical phenomena.
ANSYS provides various options for post-processing, including contour plots, vector
plots, and animations, to better understand the performance of the system.
4. Multiphysics: One of the distinguishing features of ANSYS is its ability to perform
multiphysics simulations, which involve the interaction of multiple physical
phenomena. For example, ANSYS can simulate a system that experiences both fluid
flow and thermal transfer, or structural deformation and electromagnetic fields. This
is crucial in engineering applications where different types of physical forces interact,
such as in the design of oil recovery systems, electronic devices, or automotive
components.

ANSYS offers several advantages, including comprehensive simulation capabilities

across multiple engineering disciplines, high accuracy and reliability in results, and the
ability to perform simulations for complex systems. It enables design optimization, saving
time and cost by reducing the need for physical prototypes. ANSYS integrates seamlessly
with other tools, supports parallel processing for large-scale simulations, and provides a
user-friendly interface. These features make it an essential tool for industries like
petroleum engineering, aerospace, automotive, and energy, where efficient, cost-effective,
and reliable simulations are critical for performance optimization and risk reduction.

12
 CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY

4.1 Software

For this study, ANSYS 2024 R1 Workbench was used to create the geometries and meshes
required for the simulations. ANSYS is a powerful commercial software capable of creating
advanced, user-defined geometries and computational grids. The simulations were conducted
using ANSYS Fluent, a widely used Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solver known for
its versatility and capability in handling complex fluid flow problems. Fluent was also
employed for a large part of the post-processing and visualization of the simulation results.

The simulation process was carried out in several steps as outlined below:

4.2 Simulation Steps

1. Geometry Creation: The geometry was created in the Design Modeler using the
Geometry function. For this model, a 2D rectangular geometry with dimensions of
250 mm x 46 mm was selected to represent the flow domain. Circular porous
structures, with an average diameter of 4-5 mm, were inserted within the rectangle to
mimic the porous media.

Fig 4: Ansys Fluid Flow Fluent

13
 Fig5: 2d Geometry Creation Using Space claim

Fig 6: Final 2d Geometry

2. Meshing: After the geometry was defined, the next step was meshing. The mesh was
created using the blocking method, which involves dividing the geometry into
blocks, each containing a specified number of computational cells. The combined
volumes of these blocks formed the mesh for the geometry. All meshes consisted of
hexahedral cells, which are typically used in CFD simulations for their
computational efficiency.

14
 Fig 7 & 8: Mesh Creation

3. Mesh Refinement and Setup: The mesh was refined to ensure accurate resolution of
the boundary layer and other critical flow regions. After meshing, the parts of the pipe
were named as Inlet, Outlet, and Wall, which were used to apply boundary
conditions in the simulation.

15
 Fig 9 & 10: Porous Model Initial Condition In Fluent Launcher

4. Mesh Constraints: One of the primary challenges in mesh generation was adhering
to the cell count limitation of 512,000, imposed by the academic license version of
Fluent. This constraint limited the ability to further optimize the mesh, especially for

16
 the porous model case. Despite this limitation, efforts were made to ensure the mesh
quality was adequate for the required simulations.

The results of the mesh configuration, including relevant details, are provided in the table
below.

TABLE 1

ELEMENT SIZE 0.005m

NODES 3812
ELEMENTS 3572

17
 CHAPTER 5: FUTURE WORKS AND CONCLUSION

5.1 Future Work

In future steps of this study, the model will be fully set up in ANSYS Fluent for simulating
multiphase flow through the porous media. The next phase will involve defining appropriate
boundary conditions for the inlet, outlet, and wall surfaces, where fluid properties such as
pressure, velocity, and flow rates will be specified. The setup will also include selecting
appropriate physical models for porous media flow, where parameters like permeability,
porosity, and fluid viscosity will be incorporated to accurately represent the reservoir
conditions. Once the model is set up, the simulations will be run for different flow scenarios,
including both single-phase and two-phase (oil-water) flows, to investigate how water
flooding impacts oil recovery in the reservoir. Various simulation parameters, such as mesh
refinement, time-step controls, and convergence criteria, will be adjusted to ensure accurate
and stable results. After completing the simulations, post-processing techniques will be
applied to visualize and analyze the results, such as pressure and velocity distributions, flow
patterns, and oil recovery efficiency. The findings will be used to optimize enhanced oil
recovery techniques and improve the understanding of fluid behavior in heterogeneous
porous media.

5.2 Conclusion

In this segment of the study, the foundational steps for simulating multiphase flow through
porous media using ANSYS Fluent have been successfully completed. The 2D rectangular
geometry representing the petroleum reservoir was created, incorporating porous structures to
mimic the reservoir’s characteristics. The meshing process was carried out using the blocking
method, ensuring the geometry was accurately represented with hexahedral cells while
adhering to the academic license constraints of 512,000 cells. The boundary conditions for
inlet, outlet, and wall were defined, setting the stage for further simulation. These initial steps
are crucial for performing accurate simulations of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes,
particularly focusing on water flooding in heterogeneous porous media. With the geometry,
mesh, and setup established, the next phase will involve running the simulations, refining the
models, and analyzing the results to optimize oil recovery methods and gain deeper insights
into fluid flow behavior within the reservoir.

18
 REFERENCES

1. Aarnes, J. E., Gimse, T., & Lie, K.-A. (Year). An Introduction to the Numerics of
Flow in Porous Media using Matlab. SINTEF ICT, Dept. of Applied Mathematics,
Oslo.
2. Carrillo, F. J., Bourg, I. C., & Soulaine, C. (2020). Multiphase flow modeling in
multiscale porous media: An open-source micro-continuum approach. Journal of
Computational Physics: X.
3. Heinemann, Z. E. (2005). Fluid Flow in Porous Media. Professor for Reservoir
Engineering, Leoben, October 2005, actualized by Mittermeir, G., Tehran, February
2013.
4. Meakin, P., & Tartakovsky, A. M. (2009). Modeling and simulation of pore-scale
multiphase fluid flow and reactive transport in fractured and porous media. 14 July
2009.
5. Jansen, J.-D. (2013). A systems description of flow through porous media (Version
1d). Manuscript (author version of published document), April 2013.

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