Calculation of Breakthrough Time in Oil Recovery by the Use of Fractal Dimension in a Percolation Model

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that percolation models may be be used to predict breakthrough time by the use of the fractal dimension of the shortest path. The paper shows that better predictions can be made about the breakthrough time when the actual fractal dimension of the boundaries of the oil reservoirs are calculated. The values obtained for time of breakthrough are strongly correlated to empirical values. They are also in agreement with expected results, in terms of relationship between fractal dimension and number of years before breakthrough.