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Compositional flow modeling using a multi-point flux mixed finite element method

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Abstract

We present a general compositional formulation using multi-point flux mixed finite element (MFMFE) method on general hexahedral grids. The mixed finite element framework allows for local mass conservation, accurate flux approximation, and a more general treatment of boundary conditions. The multi-point flux inherent in MFMFE scheme allows the usage of a full permeability tensor. The proposed formulation is an extension of single and two-phase flow formulations presented by Wheeler and Yotov, SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 44(5), 2082–2106 (35) with similar convergence properties. Furthermore, the formulation allows for black oil, single-phase and multi-phase incompressible, slightly and fully compressible flow models utilizing the same design for different fluid systems. An accurate treatment of diffusive/dispersive fluxes owing to additional velocity degrees of freedom is also presented. The applications areas of interest include gas flooding, CO 2 sequestration, contaminant removal, and groundwater remediation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Subsurface Modeling, Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, POB 5.324, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA

    Gurpreet Singh & Mary F. Wheeler

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  1. Gurpreet Singh
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  2. Mary F. Wheeler
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Correspondence to Gurpreet Singh.

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Singh, G., Wheeler, M.F. Compositional flow modeling using a multi-point flux mixed finite element method. Comput Geosci 20, 421–435 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10596-015-9535-2

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