Experimental and Theoretical Basis for a Wettability-Interfacial Area-Relative Permeability Relationship

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractUsing an interfacial tracer technique, our experiments show qualitatively different trends of total interfacial area between the wetting and non-wetting phases as a function of saturation, depending on whether the system is strongly or weakly wetted. A strongly wetted system is defined as one in which the wetting phase can spread as a thin film on the solid surface. We assess the relative contributions of fluid/fluid and fluid/solid interfaces to the total area using thermodynamic arguments. The fluid/solid contribution to area plays a crucial role in explaining the measurements. The influence of interfacial area on relative permeability is not straightforward. Simple analysis based upon pore-level distribution of phases in a model porous medium allows quantifying the differences in the relative permeabilities for both weakly and strongly wetted systems, measured simultaneously with the interfacial area. Relative permeability correlates with fluid/solid area but not with fluid/fluid interfacial area.

Fundamentals of Reservoir Surface Energy as Related to Surface Properties, Wettability, Capillary Action, and Oil Recovery From Fractured Reservoirs by Spontaneous Imbibition

“…Epoxy resins of two different colors were used to simulate the wetting and the non-wetting phase. Indirect method of using interfacial tracer to determine the interfacial areas have been tried by a few researchers Kim et al, 1997;Gladkikh et al, 2003). Bradford and Lei (1997) discuss theoretical ways of predicting changes in surface energy in soil samples.…”

“…oil-wet, water wet or mixed wet, has a significant impact on the interfacial areas and hence recovery from a particular reservoir. Bradford and Lei (1997), Jain et al (2003), and, Gladkikh et al (2003) discuss ways of altering the wettabilty of the sample by using different amounts of silanes. Bradford and Lei (1997) makes theoretical predictions for the changes in interfacial areas during imbibition and drainage whereas Jain et al (2003) and Gladkikh et al (2003) rely on the tracer technique to estimate the same quantities In our research, actual core samples from outcrops are used for analysis.…”

“…Bradford and Lei (1997) makes theoretical predictions for the changes in interfacial areas during imbibition and drainage whereas Jain et al (2003) and Gladkikh et al (2003) rely on the tracer technique to estimate the same quantities In our research, actual core samples from outcrops are used for analysis. This involves a greater of degree of complication as compared to the work done by other researchers (Morrow, 1970, Kim et al, 1997, Gladkikh et al, 2003, Bradford and Lei, 1997, Scheafer et al, 2000aand 2000b who worked with unconsolidated media (either bead pack or soil). Preliminary analysis will be done for Berea sandstone and a limestone sample.…”

Fundamentals of Reservoir Surface Energy as Related to Surface Properties, Wettability, Capillary Action, and Oil Recovery From Fractured Reservoirs by Spontaneous Imbibition

“…Epoxy resins of two different colors were used to simulate the wetting and the non-wetting phase. Indirect method of using interfacial tracer to determine the interfacial areas have been tried by a few researchers (Jain etal., 2003, Kim et al 1997, Gladkikh et al, 2003. Bradford and Leij (1997) discuss theoretical ways of predicting changes in surface energy in soil samples.…”

“…oil-wet, water wet or mixed wet, has a significant impact on the interfacial areas and hence recovery from a particular reservoir. Bradford and Leij (1997), and, Gladkikh et al (2003) discuss ways of altering the wettabilty of the sample by using different amounts of silanes. Bradford and Leij (1997) makes theoretical predictions for the changes in interfacial areas during imbibition and drainage whereas Jain et al (2003) and Gladkikh et al (2003) rely on the tracer technique to estimate the same quantities.…”