Abstract

Summary The evaluation of thermal-recovery processes requires relative permeability functions, as well as information about the effects of temperature on these functions. There are significant challenges encountered when estimating relative permeability from laboratory data, such as the accuracy of measurements and generalized assumptions in the interpretation techniques. A novel method is used here to estimate relative permeability and capillary pressure from in-situ aqueous-phase saturation profiles obtained from X-ray computerized tomography (CT) scanning during high-temperature imbibition experiments. Relative permeability and capillary pressure functions are interpreted simultaneously, including possible nonequilibrium effects. Results obtained show a systematic shift toward increased water-wettability with increasing temperature for diatomite reservoir core. The measured changes in relative permeability are linked to the effect of temperature on the adhesion of oil-coated fines to rock surfaces and, ultimately, to rock/fluid interactions.

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