Visualization of Solution Gas Drive in Viscous Oil, SUPRI TR-126
Several experimental studies of solution gas drive are available in this report. Almost all of the studies have used light oil. Solution gas drive behavior, especially in heavy oil reservoirs, is poorly understood. Experiments were performed in which pore-scale solution gas drive phenomena were viewed in water/carbon dioxide and viscous oil/carbon dioxide systems. A new pressure vessel was designed and constructed to house silicon-wafer micromodels that previously operated at low (<3 atm) pressure. The new apparatus is used for the visual studies. Several interesting phenomena were viewed. The repeated nucleation of gas bubbles was observed at a gas-wet site occupied by dirt. Interestingly, the dissolution of a gas bubble into the liquid phase was previously recorded at the same nucleation site. Gas bubbles in both systems grew to span one ore more pore bodies before mobilization. Liquid viscosity affected the ease with which gas bubbles coalesced. More viscous solutions result in slower rates of coalescence. The transport of solid particles on gas-liquid interfaces was also observed.
- Research Organization:
- National Energy Technology Lab. (NETL), Tulsa, OK (United States). National Petroleum Technology Office (NPTO)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE) (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC26-00BC15311
- OSTI ID:
- 783118
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/BC/15311-7; TRN: AH200128%%274
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 23 Jul 2001
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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