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The impact of wettability on waterflooding: Pore-scale simulation

Journal Article · · SPE Reservoir Engineering
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/25271-PA· OSTI ID:87567
;  [1]
  1. Heriot-Watt Univ., Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
This paper describes the development and implementation of a pore-scale simulator into which pore-wettability effects have been incorporated. Relative permeability and capillary pressure curves from this steady-state model have been analyzed to allow better interpretation of experimental observations from a microscopic standpoint. The simulated capillary pressure data demonstrate that some standard wettability tests (such as Amott-Harvey and free imbibition) may give misleading results when the sample is fractionally wet in nature. Waterflood displacement efficiencies for a range of wettability conditions have been calculated, and recovery is shown to be maximum when the oil-wet pore fraction approaches 0.5. Furthermore, a novel experimental test is proposed that can be used to distinguish between fractionally wet and mixed-wet porous media. To date, no such satisfactory test exists.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
87567
Journal Information:
SPE Reservoir Engineering, Journal Name: SPE Reservoir Engineering Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 10; ISSN 0885-9248; ISSN SREEEF
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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