Theory 37/Transport & flow/Multiphase flow
Mobilisation Is Viscous Against Capillary
The claim
Whether a trapped fluid phase mobilises is set by the ratio of viscous to capillary forces, so residual saturation depends on flow rate.
01Mechanism
Capillary forces pin ganglia until viscous drag exceeds them.
02Prediction
Mobilisation should occur above a capillary number.
03Refutation
Mobilisation tracking pressure alone would remove interfacial tension.