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Temperature dependent relative permeability and its effect upon oil displacement by thermal methods. [Effect of water saturation and temperature]

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5467409
An analytical theory is presented which permits the formulation of a mathematical model to describe the variation of relative permeability with temperature in a water/oil system. The theory develops analytical equations for temperature dependent relative permeability in terms of water saturation, irreducible water saturation, and differential change in irreducible water saturation with temperature. These equations predict and agree reasonably well with experimental results reported by other researchers. The implications of temperature dependent relative permeability data on reservoir performance of a thermal process is also presented. This data together with the application of the Buckley-Leverett frontal advance theory and the fractional flow equation are used to predict oil recovery. It is shown that when viscosity of fluids are independent of temperature, the change in relative permeability with temperature also leads to higher calculated oil recovery and improved displacement efficiency. Additional results are presented which demonstrate viscosity reduction and temperature dependent relative permeability, when considered simultaneously in thermal recovery calculations, results in even greater oil recoveries.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Oklahoma
OSTI ID:
5467409
Report Number(s):
CONF-820927-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: SPE11217
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English