A novel method for evaluation of the spontaneous imbibition process in tight reservoir rocks: Mathematical model and experimental verification

Autor(en)
Zishuo Li, Yanbin Yao, Chi Zhang, Yong Liu
Abstrakt

Spontaneous imbibition driven by capillary forces is essential for the development of oil and gas resources because it can significantly influence the oil recovery of tight reservoirs. But limited by traditional experimental methods, the existing mathematical models lack applicability to complex tight reservoir rocks. Therefore, to better predict water imbibition in tight reservoirs, this paper proposes a new spontaneous imbibition model based on modifications of the classical Handy model. Two important parameters, the average capillary pressure, and the imbibition permeability are derived using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy method to quantify the macroscopic driving force and percolation ability of the complex pore network. Furthermore, combined experiments of co-current spontaneous imbibition experiments and transverse relaxation time analysis on four shale core plug samples are conducted to verify the new model. Results show the imbibition process can be modeled successfully before the imbibition volume reaches 85% of the maximum imbibition volume, and two continuous stages: the early/free imbibition stage and the later/limited imbibition stage, are then subdivided according to the applicability of our model. Considering the heterogeneity of the pore network in shale samples, it can be inferred that an uneven imbibition front occurred during the imbibition process. In all, this model enriches the classical imbibition theory and provides a new approach to analyzing the imbibition of fracturing fluids in complex tight reservoirs.

Organisation(en)
Institut für Meteorologie und Geophysik
Externe Organisation(en)
China University of Geosciences
Journal
Geoenergy Science and Engineering
Band
223
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoen.2023.211554
Publikationsdatum
04-2023
Peer-reviewed
Ja
ÖFOS 2012
105906 Umweltgeowissenschaften
Schlagwörter
ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete
Energy (miscellaneous), Energy Engineering and Power Technology, Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology, Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Link zum Portal
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/f2f0bd9d-8707-47c2-bb5f-83d3d839e9a7