Eigenvalues define conditions of stability in liquid-liquid miscible displacement process

Abstract

A miscible displacement process is primarily governed by both convective flow and hydrodynamic dispersion. The proper classification of stability condition in the miscible displacement process is a major requirement for a successful field application of this enhanced crude oil recovery mechanism. This paper derives characteristics functions, the eigenfunctions, which provide guidelines for achieving flow stability in miscible displacement processes. A growth parameter, the eigenvalue, shows the necessary and sufficient conditions for stability in the liquid-liquid miscible displacement process. The critical velocity and wavelength necessary for stability are defined for the miscible displacement process.



Journal of the Nigerian Association of Mathematical Physics Vol. 8 2004: pp. 167-173