Pore-Scale Modelling

Home Postgraduate study Petroleum Engineering Pore-Scale ModellingPore-Scale ModellingHow to apply »Programme typeResearchStudy locationEdinburghEntry dateSeptemberOverviewResearchEntry requirementsFees & scholarships Overview The Pore-scale Modelling group uses a wide range of innovative modelling techniques to understand the fundamental recovery mechanisms governing multiphase displacements in subsurface reservoirs. Techniques range from advanced pore-scale modelling approaches – including pore reconstruction protocols and the integration of multi-scale pore systems – through core-scale simulation of a variety of SCAL measurements. The modelling work is regularly informed by related experimental activity from several IPE Themes, including micromodel experiments and coreflood data. Research Research projects We conduct research to develop pore-scale models that are widely considered to be the most advanced of their type, particularly for the physics of wetting films and layers (which assist in the drainage of oil) and unsteady-state ganglion dynamics. Depressurisation pore-scale physics has been extensively studied and 3D network models have been developed for analysing pressure depletion in light and heavy oil systems, the first to explicitly couple non-equilibrium PVT behaviour, gravitational migration of discontinuous gas structures and viscous forces. Our research also explores the application of pore-scale models to a wide range of enhanced oil recovery techniques, including: low salinity waterflooding, surfactant injection, and polymer flooding. Many of these modelling approaches have been informed by a powerful, rapid reconstruction methodology (PAM: Pore Architecture Modelling), that facilitates the creation of multi-scale 3-D in silico porous media from a range of 2-D cross-sectional data. Our...