How to simulate nonideal SWCT tests

The three major nonideal conditions observed in SWCT tests, in order of their potential encounter, include
fluid movement in the formation at the test site; in carbonates, a lengthy time required for local equilibrium
to be achieved by diffusion in liquids, as compared to test duration; and in sandstones, nonreversing flow
behavior in formation layers.

Fluid movement
In active parts of a reservoir (i.e., when other producers or water injectors are close to the test well), there
might be fluid movement in the formation at the test site. This is known as fluid drift. The tracers injected
with the SWCT test fluids are subjected to a flow field that is not radial and reversible, as is assumed by the
simulation theory above. Such was the situation during the first SWCT test. [2] A specialized simulator was
developed to interpret that test.
The simulation theory assumes that a linear flow field with a fixed drift velocity, vD, is superimposed on the
radial flow at the test well. This requires the numerical solution of partial differential equations involving two
space dimensions and time. Obtaining a best fit to field data involves varying drift velocity, vD, in addition to
the unknowns R, kH, and Sor. The drift velocity is caused by a regional pressure gradient in the formation,
where as the radial component of velocity is caused by injection or production at the test well. The original
simulator is furnished to licensed users of the SWCT method.

Local equilibrium time length

The pore geometry of most carbonates is such that the basic assumption of local equilibrium of partitioning
tracers is not valid. A significant fraction of the pore space is not directly in the flow paths, but is only in
diffusional contact with these paths. Because the time required for local equilibrium to be achieved by
diffusion in liquids can be long compared to the duration of the SWCT test, dual-porosity models must be
used to simulate SWCT tests in carbonates. In addition to R,kH, and Sor discussed earlier, several new
unknown parameters must be added to the list:

The fraction of the total PV that appears to be poorly connected for flow (dead-end fraction).

The effective diffusion parameter for each tracer in the poorly connected fraction.

Sor in the poorly connected pores.

The dual-porosity simulator has been used to interpret more than 30 tests to date. Case 3 below uses the
dual-porosity simulation model.
For a summary of SWCT test experience in carbonate formations, see Deans and Carlisle.