Relative permeability functions for high- and low-tension systems at elevated temperatures

Conference · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5160700

Kumar, S; Handy, L L; Torabzadeh, S J

Mathematical simulation of thermal oil recovery processes require relative permeability data at elevated temperatures. High-temperature, low-interfacial tension relative permeability functions are needed to predict the performance and efficiency of enhanced oil recovery methods in which chemicals are considered for use with hot waterfloods or steamfloods. This paper presents empirical correlations based on experimental data that relate water-oil residual saturations and relative permeabilities to temperature, interfacial tension, and capillary number. A new model has been found for relating residual saturation to capillary number. A modified capillary number is defined that better represents the low-tension, hightemperature systems. End point relative permeabilities have been related to residual oil/water saturations and the mobile water saturation range. The predicted values of residual saturations and relative permeabilities by these correlations are in good agreement with experimental data. Two alternative approaches are presented for relating residual saturations to IFT reduction and temperature increase. The relationships are of necessity more involved than those discussed by earlier investigators who have studied only the individual effect of temperature or IFT reduction.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Southern California
• OSTI ID: 5160700
• Report Number(s): CONF-830512-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE13670
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GEOLOGIC MODELS
OIL WELLS
PERFORMANCE
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESERVOIR TEMPERATURE
RESIDUAL PETROLEUM
SATURATION
STEAM INJECTION
SWEEP EFFICIENCY
THERMAL RECOVERY
WATER SATURATION
WATERFLOODING
WELLS