Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
non-drilling operation compared to other conventional methods and oil
production is enhanced by simultaneous reduction of oil viscosity (Wittle
et al., 2008 a,b; 2011; Haroun et al., 2009; Hill et al., 2010; Al Shalabi et al.,
2012; Ghazanfari, 2013).
Mathematical models for petroleum reservoir simulation are valuable
tools in predicting the oil production and visualizing reservoir flow pat-
terns. Mathematical modeling of EK enhanced oil recovery (EKEOR) is
complex because of the need to integrate multi-phase flow and the EK
transport processes. In this chapter, we first review the basics of EK trans-
port modeling and then provide results of initial work on modeling of
EKEOR.
5.2
Basics of EK Transport Modeling
Laboratory and field observations on EK remediation of contaminated
soils help to better understand the EK transport process. Many features
of this transport can be understood from laboratory tests and field obser-
vations and employed to describe the physical process in a mathematical
model, including the coupled flow and ion migration. A mathematical
model of EK transport upgrades our understanding of the EK processes
from direct observation to the general principles (Cao, 1997) and helps
predict the efficiency of the EK remediation of a specific contamination
substance (e.g., heavy metal ion), in a specific soil type. The EK transport
models are usually calibrated using controlled laboratory experiments.
Ultimately the model should support the field observations adequately so
it can be used to predict the success of EK remediation process in the field
application, for specific contaminant types.
Mathematical modeling and simulation of the EK transport in porous
geo-media (i.e., soil, rock) necessitates mathematical formulation of mul-
tiple transport processes, which are controlled by different variables. These
variables include the products of the electrolysis reactions at the electrodes,
soil pH and soil-surface chemistry, equilibrium chemistry of the aqueous
system, electrochemistry of the contaminants, and geotechnical/hydrogeo-
logical characteristics of the porous medium (Shapiro and Probstein, 1993;
Alshawabkeh, 1996). The EK transport models are based on a generally
accepted transient coupled flow equation, which maintains conservation
of mass and energy.
The complexity of transport processes necessitates simplifying assump-
tions that enables us to conduct numerical simulation. These assumptions
include: (i) the soil medium is isotropic and saturated, (ii) the porous
 
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