NMRI Characterization of Fractures and Multiphase Transport in Fractured Porous Media

Abstract

Abstract The use of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for characterizing fractures and flow in fractured media is investigated. A relaxation-weighted imaging technique is developed and demonstrated for use with fractured porous media. The new technique can be used to selectively highlight either fracture or porous matrix regions. Considerable advantages over standard spin-density techniques for characterizing fractured media are demonstrated. Its use to speed image acquisition is also demonstrated. MRI technique is also used to monitor imbibition and drainage displacement experiments in fractured porous media. Multislice images show that the fractures can have profound effects on the fluid distributions in multiphase flow.