Exact analytical solution of a generalized multiple moving boundary model of one-dimensional non-Darcy flow in heterogeneous multilayered low-permeability porous media with a threshold pressure gradient

A nonlinear generalized multiple moving boundary model of one-dimensional non-Darcy flow in heterogeneous multilayered low-permeability porous media with a threshold pressure gradient is constructed, in which the total rate of fluid injection into the porous media remains constant. The number of layers in the model can be arbitrary, and thus the generalized model will be very suitable for describing the one-dimensional non-Darcy flow characteristics in low-permeability reservoirs with strong heterogeneity. Through the similarity transformation method, the exact analytical solution of the multiple moving boundary model is obtained, and the formula for the subrate of fluid injection into every layer is provided. Moreover, it is strictly proved that the exact analytical solution can reduce to the solution of Darcy flow as the threshold pressure gradient in different layers simultaneously tends to zero. Through the exact analytical solution, the effects of the layer threshold pressure gradient, the layer permeability ratio, and the layer elastic storage ratio on the moving boundaries, the spatial pressure distributions, the transient pressure, and the layer subrate in low-permeability porous media are discussed. Through comparison of the exact analytical solutions, it is also demonstrated that incorporation of the multiple moving boundary conditions is very necessary in the modeling of non-Darcy flow in heterogeneous multilayered porous media with a threshold pressure gradient, especially when the threshold pressure gradient is large. In particular, an explicit formula is presented for estimating the relative error of the transient pressure introduced by ignoring the moving boundaries in the modeling. All in all, solid theoretical foundations are provided for non-Darcy flow problems in stratified reservoirs with a threshold pressure gradient. They can be very useful for strictly verifying numerical simulation results, and for giving some guidance for project design and optimization of layer production or injection during the development of heterogeneous low-permeability reservoirs and heavy oil reservoirs so as to enhance oil recovery.