Open PhD Position in Geosciences at IFP Energies nouvelles, Geosciences Division
Upscaling matrix-fracture transfers in dual-medium simulators of chemical EOR processes
Description
Transfers in fractured porous media are involved in many industrial applications such as oil production, geothermal exploitation, soil remediation or geological storage. The objective of this PhD work is to increase the reliability of matrix-fracture "dual-medium" models that are usually adopted to simulate fluids transport and exchanges at the scale of geological reservoirs. Parameterizing such models remains an unsolved issue when multiphase and compositional transfers have to be simulated, as for enhanced oil recovery processes. Indeed, the numerous physical mechanisms involved in such transfers increase the difficulty in modelling the matrix-fracture coupling terms of large-scale simulation models. If the laboratory can provide information to model these transfers at the scale of a matrix core sample, inferring the parameters of a reservoir-scale model is not straightforward and requires solving upscaling problems. The PhD thesis aims at providing solutions to these problems that arise in numerous similar applications.
Priority will be given to the modeling of surfactant transfers involved in the chemical EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) methods, whose application is expected to rise in the near future to improve the oil recovery from fractured reservoirs.
The research strategy will consist first in formulating the transfer problem and performing dimensional analysis. Then transfers between fractures and matrix blocks will be simulated on small-scale models, to obtain reference solutions whose physical analysis will help in setting up the methods for parameterizing large-scale models. An industrial simulator will be used to validate these models of multiphase compositional transfer. PhD thesis success will rely on a right physical understanding of transfers and on an efficient implementation of multi-scale simulation models. The expected results of the thesis have a large scope of applications, not limited to the above-cited processes.
Keywords
Transport in fractured porous media, multiphase flow, enhanced oil recovery, modelling
Location
IFP Energies nouvelles, Geosciences Division, Rueil-Malmaison, France
Duration
3 years, starting preferably on October 2019
Language requirements
Fluency in English, willingness to learn French
Who should apply?
Applicants are expected to hold or prepare a Master’s degree in physics, physical sciences, fluid mechanics, mechanics, applied mathematics with an emphasis on physical modelling, or a related knowledge field. The ideal candidate would have a strong interest in physical modelling, good computing skills, experience in performing numerical simulations. Knowledge of multiphase flow in porous media would be a plus.
More details available upon request at
frederic.douarche@ifpen.fr
CV and cover letter to be sent to
frederic.douarche@ifpen.fr
About IFP Energies nouvelles
IFP Energies nouvelles is a French public-sector research, innovation and training center. Its mission is to develop efficient, economical, clean and sustainable technologies in the fields of energy, transport and the environment. For more information, see www.ifpen.fr.
IFPEN offers a stimulating research environment, with access to first in class laboratory infrastructures and computing facilities. IFPEN offers competitive salary and benefits packages. All PhD students have access to dedicated seminars and training sessions.
Modifié 2 fois. Dernière modification le 11/01/19 16:53 par fdouarche.