dc.description.abstract | In this thesis we have studied a discrete-domain method that is implemented to demonstrate the immiscible, two-phase displacements of two fluids, namely CO2 and water (or brine) in an originally water-saturated reservoir (an aquifer). The method provides a model that is based on a free energy density function that gives a thermodynamic explanation of the dynamics of the interface between the fluids and describes the rugged energy landscape that represents the reversible and irreversibletransition states of the interface through metastable states and energy barriers. Furthermore, in this model a discretization of the reservoir into a number of compartments has been done and the model simulates the flow system in terms of the capillary pressure and the local water compartment saturations. This model works based on the theory that these compartments are weakly connected via an external drive, e.g., a fixed imposed capillary pressure or injection rate of CO2. The main purpose of this study is to investigate hysteresis in the drainage and imbibition processes both in the capillary pressure and local water saturation curves with regards to the global water saturation. | |