Determination of relative permeability under simulated reservoir conditions

Abstract

AbstractAn apparatus for the determination of relative permeability under simulated reservoir conditions has been designed, constructed, and operated successfully. Complete water‐oil relative‐permeability data, with kerosene and simulated reservoir brine have been taken on four natural‐sandstone cores at fluid pressures to 5,000 1b./sq. in. and overburden pressures to 10,000 1b./sq. in. One run was made at low pressure at a temperature of 160°F. for comparison with the results at low temperature. The apparatus is now being expanded so that gas‐oil relative‐permeability data may be taken, and crude oil containing gas in solution may be employed as the oil phase.The results indicate that essentially the same water‐oil relative‐permeability data are obtained at fluid pressures of 5,000 1b./sq. in. as at 30 1b./sq. in. gauge. The application of overburden pressure causes a reduction in both water and oil effective permeability in about the same proportion as it affects the single‐phase permeability. Consequently the calculated relative permeabilities are affected to only a moderate extent. The results of the one run at 160°F. were in good agreement with the values obtained at room temperature.