Anisotropy and spatial variation of relative permeability and lithologic character of Tensleep Sandstone Reservoirs in the Bighorn and Wind River Basins, Wyoming

Abstract

This multidisciplinary study is designed to provide improvements in advanced reservoir characterization techniques. This goal is to be accomplished through: An examination of the spatial variation and anisotropy of relative permeability in the Tensleep Sandstone reservoirs of Wyoming; the placement of that variation and anisotropy into paleogeographic, depositional, and diagenetic frameworks; the development of pore-system imagery techniques for the calculation of relative permeability; and reservoir simulations testing the impact of relative permeability anisotropy and spatial variation on Tensleep Sandstone reservoir enhanced oil recover. Concurrent efforts are aimed at understanding the spatial and dynamic alteration in sandstone reservoirs that is caused by rock-fluid interaction during CO{sub 2}-enhanced oil recovery processes. This work focuses on quantifying the relationship of fluid-rock interaction with lithologic characterization (in terms of changes in relative permeability, wettability, and pore structure) and with fluid characterization (in terms of changes in chemical composition and fluid properties.) This work will establish new criteria for the susceptibility of Tensleep Sandstone reservoirs to production-induced formation alteration that results in change in relative permeability and in wellbore scale damage.