On the question of comparability of relative phase permeabilities obtained by different methods

Abstract

The article discusses four methods for obtaining functions of relative phase permeability (RPP): 1) approximation of point laboratory data by known correlations of Corey and LET; 2) calculation of RPP by capillary pressure curves using Burdine, Cory and Cory–Brooks models; 3) calculation of RPP by field data; 4) modification of RPP when setting up a hydrodynamic model. A new method is proposed for obtaining RPP based on field data. In this method, it is assumed that the values of the Buckley–Leverett function are equivalent to the values of the well water-cut, and the water saturation can be determined by the formula linking the accumulated oil production and the initial geological oil reserves. The methods of obtaining RPP have been tested on the example of two real objects. The results of the approbation showed that all pairs of RPPs differ markedly from each other, while different trends take place for the objects considered. The article provides an explanation of the possible reasons for the difference in the RPP. At the same time, it was found that the scale factor is not the most significant. The expediency of the conducted research is due to the need to study the level of correspondence between the functions of the RPP obtained by different methods. This will allow for a more reasoned justification of the functions of the RPP when creating and adapting a hydrodynamic model of an oil deposit.