An Adaptive Hybrid Vertical Equilibrium/Full-Dimensional Model for Compositional Multiphase Flow

Efficient compositional models are required to simulate underground gas storage in porous formations where, for example, gas quality (such as purity) and loss of gas due to dissolution are of interest. We first extend the concept of vertical equilibrium (VE) to compositional flow, and derive a compositional VE model by vertical integration. Second, we present a hybrid model that couples the efficient compositional VE model to a compositional full-dimensional model. Subdomains, where the compositional VE model is valid, are identified during simulation based on a VE criterion that compares the vertical profiles of relative permeability at equilibrium to the ones simulated by the full-dimensional model. We demonstrate the applicability of the hybrid model by simulating hydrogen storage in a radially symmetric, heterogeneous porous aquifer. The hybrid model shows excellent adaptivity over space and time for different permeability values in the heterogeneous region, and compares well to the full-dimensional model while being computationally efficient, resulting in a runtime of roughly one-third of the full-dimensional model. Based on the results, we assume that for larger simulation scales, the efficiency of this new model will increase even more.

Automated summary

This paper presents an efficient compositional model for simulating underground gas storage in porous formations. The model extends the concept of vertical equilibrium and combines a compositional VE model with a compositional full-dimensional model, resulting in improved simulation accuracy and computational efficiency.