Abstract
Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis are crucial tools in the development and evaluation of mathematical models. In enhanced oil recovery, the co-injection of foam in porous media has been investigated through laboratory experiments and mathematical models as a promising technique for improving sweep efficiency. In this work, we study two mathematical models of foam flow in porous media. First, we present a foam quality-scan experiment using nitrogen and low concentration of an alpha-olefin sulfonate surfactant in brine using Indiana limestone carbonate core. Second, we evaluate the models based on their ability to represent the experimental data using inverse uncertainty quantification techniques. Third, the parameters’ estimated distributions are used to perform both forward uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis. We also present a detailed comparison of the models, and analyses on the experimental data, model discrepancy, and sources of uncertainties. The experimental results of foam apparent viscosity in carbonate rocks are consistent with other experiments in sandstones: The foam quality transition is present; the difference in apparent viscosity values is of the same magnitude as the difference in permeability. Propagation of uncertainties from the estimated parameter distributions through the models showed a good match between experimental data and model predictions. The sensitivity analysis showed that the model’s parameters play different roles and depend on the quantity of interest, the foam quality regime, and limiting water saturation. To summarize, this study provides essential information for possible improvements in the experiments and mathematical models of foam flow in EOR processes.
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Funding
The current work was conducted in association with the R&D projects ANP \(\hbox {n}^{\circ }\) 20715-9, “Modelagem matemática e computacional de injeção de espuma usada em recuperação avançada de petróleo” (UFJF/Shell Brazil/ANP) and ANP \(\hbox {n}^{\circ }\) 20358-8, “Desenvolvimento de formulações contendo surfactantes e nanopartículas para controle de mobilidade de gás usando espumas para recuperação avançada de petróleo” (PUC-Rio/Shell Brazil/ANP). Shell Brazil funds them in accordance with ANP’s R&D regulations under the Research, Development, and Innovation Investment Commitment. These projects are carried out in partnership with Petrobras. G.C. was supported in part by CNPq Grant 303245/2019-0. This work was partially supported by CNPq, CAPES, UFJF, and PUC-Rio.
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Valdez, A.R., Rocha, B.M., da Fonseca Façanha, J.M. et al. Foam-Assisted Water–Gas Flow Parameters: From Core-Flood Experiment to Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis. Transp Porous Med 144, 189–209 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-021-01550-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-021-01550-0