Geological applications of capillary pressure: A review

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States)

OSTI ID:7272239

Vavra, C L; Kaldi, J G ^[1]; Sneider, R M ^[2]

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1. ARCO Exploration and Production Technology, Plano, TX (United States)
2. Robert M. Sneider Exploration, Inc., Houston, TX (United States)

Capillary pressure concepts can be used to evaluate reservoir rock quality, expected reservoir fluid saturations and depths of fluid contacts, thickness of transition zone, seal capacity, and pay versus nonpay, and to approximate recovery efficiency. Mercury-injection capillary pressure is typically favored for geological applications, such as inferring the size and sorting of pore throats. The differences between mercury injection and withdrawal curves can provide information on recovery efficiency. The height above free water level can be determined by comparing capillary pressure data to hydrocarbon shows and measured fluid saturations. Capillary pressure data can also be used to distinguish reservoir from nonreservoir rocks and pay from nonpay on the basis of nonwetting-phase saturations. Other applications of capillary pressure data include relating capillary pressure to absolute and relative permeabilities, and using porosimetry to investigate pore-level heterogeneity. This paper reviews geological applications and interpretation of capillary pressure in reservoir studies.

• OSTI ID: 7272239
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States), Journal Name: AAPG Bulletin (American Association of Petroleum Geologists); (United States) Vol. 76:6; ISSN AABUD; ISSN 0149-1423
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
CAPILLARY FLOW
DATA ANALYSIS
FLUID FLOW
GAS SATURATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
OIL SATURATION
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PRESSURE EFFECTS
RESERVOIR PRESSURE
RESERVOIR ROCK
RESOURCES
SATURATION
WATER SATURATION