Wettability and relative permeability of Prudhoe Bay: A case study in mixed-wet reservoirs

Journal Article · Fri Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1997 · SPE Reservoir Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/28576-PA· OSTI ID:435706

Jerauld, G R; Rathmell, J J ^[1]

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1. Arco E and P Technology, Plano, TX (United States)

This paper describes the variation in wettability and relative permeability at Prudhoe Bay. The authors show that measurements are consistent with recent theories of the relationship between water-saturation, pH, wettability and relative permeability. In particular, the wettability of the reservoir changes from water-wet low on structure near the water/oil contact to mixed-wet behavior higher on structure. Increasing oil-wetting character is correlated to decreasing water saturation. Changes in wettability are also accompanied by changes in water-flood recovery efficiency and are optimum at Amott indices approaching zero. Lithology also impacts recovery efficiency, with more clay-rich rocks having higher residual oil saturations.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 435706
• Report Number(s): CONF-940907--
• Journal Information: SPE Reservoir Engineering, Journal Name: SPE Reservoir Engineering Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 12; ISSN 0885-9248; ISSN SREEEF
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ENHANCED RECOVERY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
OIL FIELDS
PERMEABILITY
PH VALUE
PRUDHOE BAY
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESIDUAL PETROLEUM
SWEEP EFFICIENCY
WATER SATURATION
WATERFLOODING
WETTABILITY