Introduction to Immiscible Flow — Lesson 1

This lesson covers the concept of immiscible flow through porous media, focusing on the flow of two non-miscible phases, such as water and oil. It delves into the complications arising when two phases are present together in a porous medium, with a particular emphasis on relative permeability and two-phase flow. The lesson also discusses the role of surface tension and interfacial tension in determining the outcome of immiscible flow. It provides a detailed explanation of the concept of surface tension, using the example of water rising against gravity due to wick action. The lesson further explores the concept of Laplace pressure and the impact of different radii of curvature on this pressure in non-spherical caps.

Video Highlights

00:28 - Discussion on the role of surface tension and interfacial tension
01:44 - Illustration of surface tension using the example of water rising against gravity
16:07 - Explanation of Laplace pressure and its calculation
21:25 - Discussion on the impact of different radii of curvature on Laplace pressure in non-spherical caps

Key Takeaways

- Immiscible flow refers to the flow of two non-miscible phases, such as water and oil, through porous media.
- Surface tension and interfacial tension play a crucial role in determining the outcome of immiscible flow.
- The concept of Laplace pressure, which is the pressure difference inside and outside a droplet due to surface tension, is essential in understanding immiscible flow.
- In non-spherical caps, the Laplace pressure varies depending on the radii of curvature, leading to fluid movement from high pressure to low pressure regions.