Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Dynamic Pore-scale Reservoir-condition Imaging of Reaction in Carbonates Using Synchrotron Fast Tomography
Published on: February 21, 2017
Molecular Dynamics Insight into the CO2 Flooding Mechanism in Wedge-Shaped Pores
Lu Wang1, Weifeng Lyu2, Zemin Ji2
1College of Science, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao 266580, China.
Abstract:
Because of the growing demand for energy, oil extraction under complicated geological conditions is increasing. Herein, oil displacement by CO2 in wedge-shaped pores was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The results showed that, for both single and double wedge-shaped models, pore Ⅱ (pore size from 3 to 8 nm) exhibited a better CO2 flooding ability than pore Ⅰ (pore size from 8 to 3 nm). Compared with slit-shaped pores (3 and 8 nm), the overall oil displacement efficiency followed the sequence of 8 nm > double pore Ⅱ > single pore Ⅱ > 3 nm > double pore Ⅰ > single pore Ⅰ, which confirmed that the exits of the wedge-shaped pores had determinant effects on CO2 enhanced oil recovery over their entrances. “Oil/CO2 inter-pore migration” and “siphoning” phenomena occurred in wedge-shaped double pores by comparing the volumes of oil/CO2 and the center of mass. The results of the interaction and radial distribution function analyses indicate that the wide inlet and outlet had a larger CO2−oil contact surface, better phase miscibility, higher interaction, and faster displacement. These findings clarify the CO2 flooding mechanisms in wedge-shaped pores and provide a scientific basis for the practical applications of CO2 flooding.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Theories of Dissolution: The Danckwerts' Model and Interfacial Barrier Model
Porosity in Cement Paste
The balance of water to cement in the mix is...
Real Gases: Effects of Intermolecular Forces and Molecular Volume Deriving Van der Waals Equation
Porosity and Absorption of Aggregate
When all pores in an aggregate are filled with water, the aggregate is considered saturated and surface-dry. If left in dry air, water will evaporate until the...
Capillarity in Fluid
Surface tension is crucial to capillarity. It results from cohesive forces between liquid molecules at the liquid-air boundary, forming a skin that resists external forces. When the capillary tube...
Behavior of Gas Molecules: Molecular Diffusion, Mean Free Path, and Effusion

