This study experimentally investigated Free-Fall Gravity Drainage (FFGD) under combination-drive conditions in a two-dimensional Hele-Shaw model representing a water-drive reservoir. An initially high gravity potential from the oil column enabled early oil drainage before aquifer support became dominant. Three water-drive strengths were tested, demonstrating that a stronger aquifer (1.15 psig) accelerated oil recovery to approximately 75% of the original oil in place (OOIP) within 60 minutes, resulting in a final recovery of 79.5%. However, this was accompanied by rapid water breakthrough after 2.5 minutes and high-water cuts exceeding 90%. In contrast, a weaker aquifer (0.725 psig) stabilized the oil–water contact, delaying water encroachment and maintaining zero water cut throughout 240 minutes, albeit with a lower ultimate recovery of 70.2%. Visual observations confirmed that a stable water crest and oil bank were preserved longer under moderate to weak aquifer pressures, extending the gravity-dominated recovery and reducing water handling requirements. Residual oil saturation was higher under weak aquifer support (27.9%) than stronger water drive (16.8%) due to a loss of gravity potential as the oil column declined and limited aquifer support. A comparative experiment in a heterogeneous system revealed approximately 22% lower ultimate recovery and water breakthrough within 5 minutes, attributed to heterogeneity promoting preferential flow, poor sweep efficiency, and early breakthrough. In contrast, the homogeneous system sustained production with no water breakthrough for 300 minutes. These insights strengthen the understanding of gravity drainage and can help guide enhanced oil recovery strategies in water-drive reservoirs.
Water, an essential element for life, is becoming increasingly contaminated due to the continuing discharge of hazardous substances into our water sources. Pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, dyes, colorants, heavy metals, and pesticides are examples of some of the organic and inorganic substances that persistently contaminate water systems and traditional wastewater treatment systems are not designed to remove dissolved organic constituents, which is why their entry into the environment is so ubiquitous. Common pharmaceuticals such as aspirin, amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen, are amongst the most substantial contributors to water pollution The efficient and eco-friendly management of pharmaceutical pollutants pres
... Show MoreGreen synthesis methods have emerged as favorable techniques for the synthesis of nano-oxides due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and non-toxicity. In this study, Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO-NPs) were synthesized using the aqueous extract of Laurus nobilis leaves as a natural capping agent. The synthesized NiO-NPs were employed as an adsorbent for the removal of Biebrich Scarlet (BS) dye from aqueous solution using adsorption technique. Comprehensive characterization of NiO-NPs was performed using various techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett and Teller (BET) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, o
... Show MoreThis study aimed to incorporate hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (nHA) or amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles (nACP) into a self-etch primer (SEP) to develop a simplified orthodontic bonding system with remineralizing and enamel preserving properties.
nHA and nACP were incorporated into a commercial SEP (Transbond™ plus) in 7% weight ratio and compared with the plain SEP as a control. Shear bond strengths (SBS), enamel damage, and adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were evaluated at 24 h
This study relates to synthesis of bentonite-supported iron/copper nanoparticles through the biosynthesis method using eucalyptus plant leaf extract, which were then named E-Fe/Cu@B-NPs. The synthesised E-Fe/Cu@B-NPs were examined by a set of experiments involving a heterogeneous Fenton-like process that removed direct blue 15 (DB15) dye from wastewater. The resultant E-Fe/Cu@B-NPs were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis, zeta potential analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The operating parameters in batch experiments were optimised using Box–Behnken design. These parameters were pH, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2
... Show MoreThis study investigates the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) nanocomposites under accelerated weatheringconditions, including UV exposure, elevated temperature, and humidity. LDPE samples were reinforced with varying ZnO concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) and compared to neat LDPE (D0). Shore D hardness and Charpy impact tests showed enhanced mechanical stability in nanocomposites, with D1 (0.5% ZnO) exhibiting improved hardness and impact resistance before and after exposure. Contact angle measurements indicated increased hydrophobicity in D1 due to better dispersion of ZnO. At the same time, higher loading in D2 led to a decrease in c
... Show MoreMetasurface polarizers are essential optical components in modern integrated optics and play a vital role in many optical applications including Quantum Key Distribution systems in quantum cryptography. However, inverse design of metasurface polarizers with high efficiency depends on the proper prediction of structural dimensions based on required optical response. Deep learning neural networks can efficiently help in the inverse design process, minimizing both time and simulation resources requirements, while better results can be achieved compared to traditional optimization methods. Hereby, utilizing the COMSOL Multiphysics Surrogate model and deep neural networks to design a metasurface grating structure with high extinction rat
... Show MoreTo promote sustainable steel-concrete composite structures, it is essential to develop special shear connectors that facilitate accelerated construction and deconstruction. A lockbolt demountable shear connector (LBDSC) was recently proposed. While the LBDSC has been evaluated using horizontal and vertical (standard) push-out tests, it is essential to further assess the disassembly mechanism and the positive flexural performance of prefabricated demountable composite beams (PDCBs) under both serviceability and ultimate limit states. Two full-scale test specimens of PDCBs with LBDSC were designed with partial shear connections and assessed using a three or four-point load beam setup under both cyclic and static monotonic loading conditions.
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