Abstract:

Corresponding to the foam flow characteristics in the reservoir media, experimental studies were carried out concerning CO₂ and N₂ foam lamellae flow rheology in a converging-diverging tube. Non-dimensional parameters of ΔpD/δ and (3μU/σ)^2/3 were determined based on two-phase assumption of the foam fluid. Clear linear relationships between the two non-dimensional parameters were observed for both CO₂ and N₂ foam lamellae flow with various threshold values, which indicates startup pressure is needed to initiate the foam flow. Compared to CO₂ foam, N₂ foam shows higher flow resistance. While compared to the case in a straight tube, the lamellae flow in the tube with varying diameters has higher pressure drops. It is concluded instead of the power law model, the Herschel-Bulkley type rheology model could be more suitable for describing foam flow mechanism in porous media.

Key words: foam, converging-diverging tube, rheology, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, non-dimensional analysis

摘要：

针对泡沫流体在储层介质内的流动特点，对泡沫薄膜液在变径管内的流变学特性进行实验研究。基于两相流动假设，利用量纲分析法确定量纲1参数ΔpD/δ及（3μU/σ）^2/3。通过CO₂及N₂泡沫的实验结果发现泡沫薄膜液在变径管内流动时需克服启动压力，量纲1参数间呈明显的线性关系，而且N₂泡沫与CO₂泡沫相比具有更大的流动阻力。与直管相比，泡沫薄膜液在变径管内具有更大的流动压差。实验结果表明，对于揭示泡沫液在多孔介质中的流动机理，Herschel-Bulkley模型优于幂律模型。

关键词: 泡沫, 变径管, 流变学, 二氧化碳, 氮气, 量纲1分析