Displacement of one Newtonian fluid by another: density effects in axial annular flow

The arbitrary Lagrange-Euler (ALE) finite elementtechnique is used to simulate 3D displacement oftwo immiscible Newtonian fluids in vertical annular wells. For equally viscous fluids the effect of distinct fluid densities is investigated in the region of low to intermediate Reynolds numbers. Comparison with a simple theory for drainage of thin films is performed. It is found that recirculations deform the fluid-fluidinterface significantly in situations dominated by buoyancy forces. Also, a deviation from the concentric annular geometry is shown to induce azimuthal transport of fluid. Finally, the efficiency of the displacement is analysed for various flow situations.