Transient flow of non-Newtonian power-law fluids in porous media
Abstract
A nonlinear partial differential equation for flow of power-law fluids was derived. The diffusivity equation is a special case of this new equation. The partial differential equation describes the flow of a slightly compressible, non-Newtonian power-law fluid in a homogeneous and isotropic porous medium. This equation should govern the flow of most non-Newtonian oil displacement agents used in enhanced oil recovery projects, e.g., polymer solutions and micellar solutions. A linear form of the partial differential equation was also derived. A model for the flow of foam in porous media gave rise to another nonlinear partial differential equation which considers the compressibility of foam, and the pressure-dependent quality of foam. The quality of foam is the ratio of gaseous volume to total foam volume. Analytical solutions of the transient and steady-state forms of the linear partial differential equation were obtained.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978PhDT.........4I
- Keywords:
-
- Fluid Injection;
- Nonnewtonian Fluids;
- Transient Pressures;
- Nonlinear Equations;
- Oil Recovery;
- Partial Differential Equations;
- Porosity;
- Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer