Visualization of fluid displacement in porous media

Abstract

Modelling, simulation, and visualization of porous media have practical applications in the petroleum and chemical industries. Advances in modelling and simulation of porous media can help in the understanding of processes in petroleum rocks. The paper presents new algorithms for modelling and visualizing fluid interfaces within porous media. These algorithms allow the creation and nondestructive testing of porous samples in a virtual laboratory of porous media. The visualization process is one of the main elements in such a laboratory. Results of these simulated processes can be visualized as 3D or 2D images, where colour and shading emphasize fluid saturations and interfaces between two interacting fluids as a function of varying pressure. These algorithms are based on the octree data structure. The idea is to create a porous media sample with a realistic structure and at a level of complexity commensurate with actual samples. Simulations are then run on this model. This method contrasts with traditional porous media modelling where a mathematical model (lattice) is simulated using sets of equations.