Two-Phase Flow Models of Gas Generation and Transport in Geological Formations

O. Silva [1]
[1] Amphos 21 Consulting S.L. - iMaGe Consortium, Barcelona, Spain
Published in 2016

Gas generation and transport through porous media is a process common to many field applications such as radioactive waste and underground gas storage. In these operations, the gas phase evolution depends on the thermodynamic conditions at depth, the properties of the fluids (density, viscosity, surface tension) and the geological formation (permeability, porosity, retention curve), as well as the chemical interaction between the fluids and the solid phase (e.g., minerals, concrete, steel). Altogether, these properties affect the efficiency, safety, environmental impact of the above mentioned operations. Immiscible and miscible two-phase flow models were developed in COMSOL® software to simulate the evolution of gases in geological formations. Which approach is more practical or advantageous depends on the specific application.