In the quest to optimize enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and carbon storage techniques, understanding the behavior of foams in porous media is crucial. A recent study published in the journal “Water Resources Research” (translated from the original title) sheds light on the importance of accurate foam characterization, offering insights that could significantly impact the energy sector.
Foam injection is a well-established method for controlling gas mobility in porous media, used in applications ranging from EOR to carbon capture and storage (CCS) and well-stimulation. However, the complexity of foam’s non-Newtonian behavior—where its viscosity changes with flow rate—has posed challenges in accurate modeling. Traditional approaches often rely on single-velocity foam-quality scan data, which, as the new research reveals, can lead to substantial inaccuracies.
Led by Anderson de Moura Ribeiro from the Graduate Program in Computational Modeling at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora in Brazil, the study conducted both foam-quality and flow rate scan experiments. By employing computational models and solving inverse problems, the team performed identifiability analysis and uncertainty quantification to evaluate the errors associated with different data sets.
The findings are striking. Relying solely on foam-quality scan data can result in significant underestimation or overestimation of foam’s apparent viscosity, with errors reaching up to 62.5%. These inaccuracies have tangible impacts on practical applications. In a heterogeneous scenario, the study observed differences in production levels, breakthrough time, and pressure drops, with errors of 2.5%, 14.8%, and 45%, respectively.
“Our results underscore the critical need for aligning laboratory experiments with parameter estimation methodologies that accurately characterize the non-Newtonian behavior of foams,” Ribeiro emphasized. This alignment is essential for improving the efficiency and reliability of foam-based techniques in the energy sector.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. Accurate foam characterization can lead to more effective EOR strategies, optimizing oil recovery and reducing operational costs. In the realm of CCS, precise modeling of foam behavior can enhance the storage capacity and safety of carbon dioxide, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study highlight the importance of integrating advanced computational models with experimental data. By doing so, researchers and industry professionals can better understand and predict the behavior of foams in porous media, paving the way for more innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
In the words of Ribeiro, “This research not only advances our scientific understanding but also offers practical tools for improving industrial applications.” As the energy sector faces increasing demands for efficiency and sustainability, the accurate characterization of foam behavior will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping future developments.