A MULTISCALE COMPUTATIONAL MODEL FOR MULTIPHASE FLOW IN POROUS-MEDIA

Computational models of multiphase flow in porous media can be developed to describe processes at several different length scales. These include traditional continuum-scale models, ranging in application from the laboratory scale to the field scale, and pore-scale models. Each 6f these models may be seen as part of a scale hierarchy. As such, they may be used in a hierarchical sequence with output from smaller-scale models serving as input to larger-scale models. This gives rise to the concept of multi-scale computational models. A combination of pore-scale and field-scale models may be seen as an example of a multi-scale model. Such a model fits naturally into parallel computing environments, and may provide a computationally feasible approach for realistic incorporation of material heterogeneities in multiphase flow simulations.