Stabilized finite element methods for vertically averaged multiphase flow for carbon sequestration

A computationally efficient numerical model that describes carbon sequestration in deep saline aquifers is presented. The model is based on the multiphase flow and vertically averaged mass balance equations, requiring the solution of two partial differential equations – a pressure equation and a saturation equation. The saturation equation is a nonlinear advective equation for which the application of Galerkin finite element method (FEM) can lead to non‐physical oscillations in the solution. In this article, we extend three stabilized FEM formulations, which were developed for uncoupled systems, to the governing nonlinear coupled PDEs. The methods developed are based on the streamline upwind, the streamline upwind/Petrov–Galerkin and the least squares FEM. Two sequential solution schemes are developed: a single step and a predictor–corrector. The range of Courant numbers yielding smooth and oscillation‐free solutions is investigated for each method. The useful range of Courant numbers found depends upon both the sequential scheme (single step vs predictor–corrector) and also the time integration method used (forward Euler, backward Euler or Crank–Nicolson). For complex problems such as when two plumes meet, only the SU stabilization with an amplified stabilization parameter gives satisfactory results when large time steps are used. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.